FROM   THE  LIBRARY  OF 

REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON,  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY   HIM   TO 

THE  LIBRARY  OF 

PRINCETON  THEOLOGICAL  SEMINARY 


DlvtaM    ^^3 

Section       /YS^-X 


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DEVOTIONAL 


MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS. 


•V 


BY  J.  RUSLING, 

MINISTER  OF  THE  GOSPEL  IN  THE  M.  E.  CHURCH. 


SECOND  EDITION,  ENLARGED. 


PHILADELPHIA : 
SOLD  AT  No.  197,  NORTH  FOURTH  STREET, 


1837. 


Entered  according  to  the  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year 
1836,  by  J.  Rusling,  in  the  Clerk's  Office  of  the  District 
Court  for  the  Eastern  District  of  Pennsylvania. 


J.  VAN  COUKT,  Printer, 
No.  48  Market  street,  Philadelphia. 


STEREOTYPED  BV  J.  FAGAN PHILADELPHIA. 


PREFACE. 


The  author  of  this  work  feels  great  diffi- 
dence in  appearing  before  the  public ;  but  the 
solicitations  of  numerous  friends  have  served 
as  an  inducement.  With  respect  to  the  moral 
sentiment  of  his  pieces,  the  Holy  Scriptures 
were  his  model ;  and  in  reference  to  style,  he 
has  studied  plainness; — the  whole  resulting 
from  the  improvement  of  leisure  hours.  In 
early  life  he  entered  the  gospel  ministry,  and 
continued  therein  until  afflictions  caused  a 
suspension  of  those  labours.  Under  these  cir- 
cumstances, he  offers  this  production  to  his 
friends,  hoping  that  his  private  exercises  may 
be  rendered  beneficial  to  the  cause  of  God, 
and  the  devotion  of  his  readers. 

J.  RUSLING. 
Philadelphia,  August,  1836. 


To  the  Rev.  Joseph  Rusting : 

My  Dear  Brother, — I  am  glad  you  are  about  pub- 
lishing your  occasional  poetical  pieces,  under  the  unas- 
suming title  of  "  Devotional  Exercises."  I  have  been 
examining  the  proof-sheets  which  you  sent  me,  and  am 
satisfied  the  collection  is  well  calculated  to  awaken  and 
sustain  the  devotion  of  the  Christian's  heart  I  give 
this  testimony  to  the  collection,  though  you  have  not 
asked  it,  because  I  believe  it  ought  to  be  widely  circu- 
lated. 

Very  respectfully, 

J.  P.  DURBIN. 

Philada.  Aug.  13,  1836. 

4 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

Prayer  for  Special  Favours,    9 

For  Holiness, 11 

Preparation  for  Heaven,. .  12 

The  Saviour's  Love, 13 

Thou  canst  make  me  clean,  14 
Who  hath  loved  me  and 

died  for  me, 15 

Prayer  for  Gospel  Privi- 
leges,  16 

Prayer  and  Confidence,. .  18 

Invocation, 19 

Prayer  for  a  Blessing, ...  20 
Preparation  for  Heaven,. .  21 

The  Lord's  Supper, 22 

Jesus,  our  Lord, 24 

Our  Advocate, 25 

The  Cross, 26 

The  Good  Shepherd, 27 

Redemption, 28 

Jesus,  rule  thou  over  us, . .  29 

The  invitation, 31 

"  Behold  what  manner  of 

Love," 33 

Jesus'  Name, 35 

Redemption, 38 

1 


PAOK 

"  There  is  no  other  Name 

given," 39 

The  opened  Fountain, ...  41 

For  the  Holy  Ghost, 43 

For  Divine  Favour, 43 

Devotion, 45 

My  wants  are  before  thee,  45 
Thy  Kingdom  come, ....  48 

For  Special  Grace, 49 

Redeeming  Love, 50 

Prayer  for  Blessings, ....  51 

Faith, 52 

Praise, 53 

For  Holiness, 54 

Divine  Love, 55 

Redeeming  Love, 56 

Thy  will  be  done, 57 

Supplication, 58 

The  Religion  of  our  Fa- 
thers,   60 

Sabbath  Schools, 61 

Sabbath  Schools, 61 

Deliverance  from  evil, ...  63 

Worship, 64 

Abraham's  God, 65 


VI 


CONTENTS. 


page 

This  is  our  God, 67 

Sabbath  Schools, 69 

What  is  love  ? 70 

My  great  Redeemer's  love 

to  me, 71 

Give  me  a  lot  with  thy 

people, 72 

Preparation  for  Heaven,  75 

Thy  will  be  done, 76 

Create    in    me   a   clean 

heart, 77 

Whom  have  I  in  Heaven 

but  thee? 78 

Hymn  of  Praise, 79 

Fulness  of  Love, 80 

Living  on  Christ, 81 

The  Cross,  Redemption, 

Glory, 83 

Remember  me, 85 

Looking  for  Heaven,  ...  87 
The  Servant  like  his  Mas- 
ter,   i 

Desiring  the  Love  of  God, 

Hymn  of  Fraise, 90 

For  full  Salvation, 92 

For  the  Holy  Spirit,....  93 

Our  Future  Rest, 94 

The  Saviour's  Love  to  all,  95 

Hymn  of  Praise, 97 

Worship, 99 

To  the  Trinity, 100 


PAGE 

Devotional, 101 

Desiring  access  to  God,  102 

What  is  Religion, 104 

Remember  me, 106 

The  Majesty  of  God,  ...  107 
Happy  is  such  a  people,  109 

In  Affliction, Ill 

Am  I  a  holy  Christian?  112 
Divine  Intercourse,  ....  115 

The  House  of  God, 116 

Family  Worship, 118 

For  Divine  Guidance, .  .  119 

Spiritual  Devotion, 120 

Pleasures  of  Divine  Wor- 
ship,  121 

Worship, 122 

The  Lord's  Prayer, 123 

The  Lord's  Prayer, 124 

Worship, 127 

Patience, 128 

The  Refuge, 131 

Trust, 132 

Prayer  for  the  Spirit,. . .  134 

God  our  Refuge, 135 

Reliance, 136 

The  Lord  our  Defence,  .  137 

Confidence  in  God, 139 

Peace  and  Love, 140 

Trust  in  God, 140 

To  the  Christian, 142 

Address  to  the  Christian,  146 


CONTENTS. 


Vll 


PAGE 

Trust  in  God, 149 

There  remaineth  a  rest,  150 

Time, 152 

The  Christian's  Prospect,  155 

The  Consolation, 157 

The  Sabbath, 159 

Heaven, 160 

Spread  of  the  Gospel,. . .  162 

Missionary  Hymn, 163 

Home  of  the  Christian,  .  165 
Death  of  the  Christian,. .  166 

The  Resurrection, 167 

The   Resurrection  —  se- 
cond part, 169 

Devotion, 170 

Quicken  me,  O  Lord,. . .  171 

Decline  of  Life, 173 

Address  to  Youth, 174 

Minister's  Farewell,. . . .  176 

The  Advent, 179 

The  Saviour's  Birth-day,  181 

Christmas, 183 

Gratitude, 184 

Renewal  of  Blessings,  . .  187 

My  Bliss  and  Glory, 189 

Petition, 190 

For  Communion, 191 

Christ  and  his  Benefits,  193 
Paraphrase:  15th  Psalm,  197 
Desiring  more  Grace,  . .  199 
Thy  years  shall  not  fail,  200 


PAGK 

Reflection  and  Prayer,. .  201 

How  to  die, 202 

If  thou   speakest,   there 

shall  be  light, 203 

The  Restoration, 204 

For  Divine  Favour, ...    .  205 


MISCELLANEOUS 
POEMS. 

In  memory  of  Rev.  Law- 
rence M'Combs, 209 

Earth  is  not  our  Home,.  210 
On  hearing  a  Robin,  . . .  212 
Address  to  my  Wife. — A 

Wish, 214 

In  memory  of  two  belov- 
ed Children, 215 

Friendship, 216 

The  Summer's  Evening,  218 

The  Evening, 219 

On  Providence, 221 

The  Family  Circle,  ....  225 

The  Happy  Family, 227 

Mutability  of  Life, 228 

Time  and  Eternity, 231 

Mutability  of  Time,. ...  233 
The  Critical  Moment, . .  234 
Hope, 235 


V1U 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

The  Ramble, 237 

ToH.B., 239 

Memory  of  Rev.   John 
Creamer, 241 


PAGE 

Our  Nation, 245 

Conscience, 246 

The  Indian  Chiefs  La- 
mentation, 249 


The  Slave, 243  The  Saviour's  Name,. . .  251 


DEVOTIONAL  EXERCISES. 


PRAYER  FOR  SPECIAL  FAVOURS. 

O,  Thou  !  enthron'd  in  heaven  above, 
Before  whom  worlds  as  atoms  are — 

Wilt  thou  regard  a  mortal's  love, 
And  kindly  his  petitions  hear  ? 

O !  for  that  glow  of  heavenly  light, 

Reflected  from  Eternal  day ; 
The  single  eye,  the  quicken'd  sight, 

Which  clouds  ne'er  dim,  nor  years  decay. 

O !  for  that  hatred  to  all  sin, 

That  true  compunction  of  the  mind, 

The  power  that  cleanses  all  within, 
Perfect,  "  long-suffering  and  kind." 

O  !  for  that  sacred,  burning  fire, 

Bestow'd  through  the  Redeemer's  name ; 
The  mind  to  lighten  and  inspire, 

The  soul  to  comfort  and  inflame. 


10  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Grant  me  the  gift  of  holy  prayer, 
That  mighty  prevalence  with  Thee ; 

My  thoughts  and  words  Thyself  prepare, 
And  let  them  all  accepted  be. 

Strengthen  me,  Saviour,  to  believe 

Thy  word  of  truth,  and  promise  sure ; 

Those  graces  of  thy  spirit  give, 
Most  holy,  heavenly,  and  pure. 

That  wond'rous  gift,  the  love  of  God, 
Immeasurably  full  and  free ; 

From  thy  eternal,  bright  abode, 
Shed  most  abundantly  on  me. 

At  every  opening,  rising  day, 
Be  thy  lov'd  visitations  made  ; 

All  evil  banish  far  away, 

As  day  dispels  the  midnight  shade. 

Dwell  with  me,  Lord,  while  here  I  live, 
Claim  all  that  I  possess  as  thine ; 

Myself  a  sacrifice  receive, 

And  then  be  Thou  and  glory  mine. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  11 


FOR  HOLINESS. 

Jesus,  my  supplications  hear, 

Regard  me  with  a  gracious  smile ; 

To  holiness  my  heart  prepare, 

And  keep  my  lips  from  speaking  guile. 

Of  holiness  the  beauties  show, 
Bid  me  its  rich  perfection  prove ,' 

With  those  who  fear  Thee,  let  me  know 
The  depths  of  sanctifying  love. 

Let  sin  have  no  dominion,  Lord, 
Cleanse  its  entire  remains  away ; 

Thy  pure,  thy  soul-refining  word, 
To  me  in  mighty  power  convey. 

'Tis  thy  prerogative  to  give — 
Profusely  then  thy  gifts  bestow ; 

Thy  holiness  bid  me  receive, 

And  all  thy  perfect  goodness  know. 

Cleanse  every  act,  and  every  word — 
Make  every  thought  and  motive  kind ; 

Possessing,  with  my  gracious  Lord, 
A  truly  meek  and  lowly  mind. 

In  all  things  Thou  my  pattern  be, 
Furnish'd  with  thy  abundant  might, 

Partaker  of  thy  purity, 

Thy  perfect  love,  and  purest  light. 


12  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


PREPARATION  FOR  HEAVEN. 

Kindle,  O  Lord,  in  me, 
The  ancient  flame  of  fire  ; 

From  sin  and  bondage  set  me  free, 
And  all  my  soul  inspire. 

The  cloven  tongues  bestow, 
The  sacred  stream  of  love, 

And  while  in  humble  prayer  I  bow, 
Thy  spirit  kindly  move. 


Shed  its  full  grace  on  me, 

Its  purity  and  might, 
And  let  me  in  thy  kingdom  be 

A  burning,  shining  light. 

With  oil  my  vessel  fill, 
The  lamp  of  life  to  cheer, 

And  help  me  watch  and  pray,  until 
The  bridegroom  shall  appear. 

Ready  to  meet  my  Lord, 
Whene'er  the  signal's  given, 

And  in  obedience  to  his  word, 
Arise  and  enter  heaven. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  13 


THE  SAVIOUR'S  LOVE. 

Jesus,  the  sweetness  of  thy  love 
O  how  my  soul  delights  to  feel — 

All  hind'rance  to  its  course  remove, 
And  all  its  perfectness  reveal. 

Thy  love  shall  be  my  only  bliss, 
'Tis  all  in  heaven  or  earth  I  crave  ; 

The  object  of  my  glory,  this, 

My  blooming  hope  beyond  the  grave. 

Thy  boundless  love  !  redeeming  Lord, 
In  rich  and  plenteous  streams  bestow— 

This  "  recompense  of  great  reward," 
O  grant  it  to  thy  servant  now. 

Simple  and  childlike  let  it  be, 

Constant  and  steady  in  its  course, 

From  all  dissimulation  free, 

And  pure  and  heav'nly  be  its  source. 

Truly  affectionate  and  kind, 

To  mercy  and  to  goodness  given, 

The  stay  and  magnet  of  the  mind, 
The  bond  uniting  earth  and  heaven. 

Be  this  the  comfort  of  my  soul, 

My  solace  in  declining  years ; 
May  love  each  passing  change  control, 

And  cheer  me  through  this  vale  of  tears. 
2 


14  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


« THOU  CAN'ST  MAKE  ME  CLEAN." 

When  shall  I  bathe  in  life's  pure  tide, 
Which  flows  from  my  Redeemer's  side, 
That  holy,  crimson  flood  1 

0  !  to  plunge  in  at  once  and  live, 
And  all  his  mighty  love  receive, 

Through  Jesus'  sprinkling  blood. 

All  human  power  I  do  disclaim, 
Saviour,  restore  me  through  thy  name  ; 

Thy  name  I  long  to  know ; 
Like  him  who  waited  at  the  pool, 

1  will,  but  thou  must  speak  me  whole, 

And  bid  me  rise  and  go. 

O  speak  tne  word  which  Lazarus  woke, 
That  once  his  deathly  slumbers  broke, 

Bid  me  come  forth  to  thee. 
Breathe  into  me  the  breath  of  life, 
Finish  the  long  conflicting  strife 

Between  my  sins  and  me. 

Thou  art  the  resurrection,  Lord, — 
He  that  believeth  in  thy  word, 

Though  dead,  shall  live  again, — 
A  form  more  glorious  shall  assume, 
A  cherub  near  the  throne  become, 

Where  boundless  pleasures  reign. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  15 

Fountain  of  bliss  from  Jesus'  side, 
Flow  on  with  clear  and  onward  tide, 

Fill  all  my  soul  with  love ; 
And  let  me  with  thy  flocks  at  noon 
Repose  in  safety  near  thy  throne, 

Thence  never  to  remove. 

Then,  Saviour,  then,  will  I  love  thee, 
Because  thou  did'st  at  first  love  me, 

Thy  wounds  still  make  it  known. 
And  O  assist  me,  Lord,  to  raise 
A  feeble  monument  of  praise 

To  thee,  and  thee  alone. 


WHO  HATH  LOVED  ME,  AND  DIED  FOR  ME." 

Saviour,  I  bow  thy  cross  before, 
To  love,  to  worship,  and  adore ; 
No  boast,  no  claim,  have  I  beside, 
Jesus  for  me  was  crucified. 

All  earthly  things  I  count  but  loss, 
To  glory  only  in  thy  cross ; 
Cleaving  with  fond  embrace  to  thee, 
My  Lord  and  Saviour  slain  for  me. 

On  Calvary's  high  and  fearful  top, 
Jesus,  my  Lord,  was  lifted  up  : 
And  for  the  world,  his  streaming  blood 
Prevailed  before  the  throne  of  God. 


16  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

'Tis  here,  my  trembling  hopes  increase, 
My  love  grows  warm,  and  sweet  my  peace ; 
While  heavenly  mercies  kindly  shed 
Unmingled  pleasures  round  my  head. 

O  thou  atoning  Lamb  of  God, 
Cleanse  me  in  thy  redeeming  blood ; 
Purge  me  from  every  vileness  free, 
And  make  me  to  resemble  thee. 


Whate'er  thou  hast,  or  can'st  bestow, 
Above  the  skies  or  earth  below, 
Grant  me  thy  love ;  indulg'd  with  this, 
I  ask  beside  no  other  bliss. 

Then  when  from  time  I  shall  remove, 
O  may  I  rise  to  thee  above  ; 
There  with  thy  saints  the  throne  before, 
Redeeming  love  and  grace  adore. 


PRAYER  FOR  GOSPEL  PRIVILEGES. 

Eternal  Power,  whose  influence  brought 
This  wond'rous  universe  from  nought ; 
Who  said,  (the  mighty  great  "  First  Cause,") 
"  Let  there  be  light,  and  light  there  was." 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  17 

Spirit  of  light  on  me  come  down, 

Thy  presence  and  thyself  make  known ; 

In  penticostal  fulness  shed, 

Thy  glories  round  my  heart  and  head. 


Give  me,  O  Lord,  my  sins  to  know, 
And  then  let  true  repentance  flow  ; 
From  guilt  my  every  power  release 
And  fill  me  with  abounding  peace. 

With  grace  descending  from  above, 
Increase  my  faith,  and  warm  my  love ; 
Pure  heavenly-mindedness  impart, 
Engrave  thy  likeness  on  my  heart. 

Grant  me,  with  all  thy  saints  to  share, 
The  blessing  of  prevailing  prayer  : 
Each  passing  hour  where'er  I  be, 
O  give  me  intercourse  with  thee. 

On  Christ  alone,  (the  atonement  made,) 
Let  all  my  soul's  vast  claims  be  laid ; 
In  firm,  unshaken  hope,  that  God 
Will  raise  me  to  his  own  abode. 


An  earnest  of  that  bliss  bestow, 
Where  angels  and  archangels  bow  ; 
That  holy  pledge  to  me  be  given, 
A  strong  assuring  hope  of  heaven. 

2* 


18  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


PRAYER  AND  CONFIDENCE. 

Most  Holy  Lord,  bow  down  thine  ear, 
And  hearken  to  my  feeble  prayer ; 
Preserve  my  soul  that  trusts  in  thee 
And  show  thy  kindest  love  to  me. 

Art  thou  not  ready  to  forgive, 
And  pleas'd  when  dying  sinners  live  ? 
Is  not  the  goodness  of  thy  name, 
In  every  age  and  place  the  same  ? 

Come,  then,  and  all  my  wants  regard, 
And  bless  me  with  thy  saints'  reward  ; 
And  when  temptations  gather  round, 
Let  grace  more  plenteously  abound. 

Thou  art  my  shield  and  strong  defence, 
My  over-ruling  providence ; 
The  all-pervading  Deity, 
Whose  presence  fills  immensity. 

With  millions  I  will  worship  thee, 
And  bow  the  suppliant,  humble  knee ; 
The  greatness  of  thy  love  proclaim, 
And  hymn  the  glories  of  thy  name. 

Thou  art  th'  eternal  God  alone, 

The  heaven  of  heavens  contains  thy  throne  ; 

Yet  is  thy  love  so  full  and  free, 

The  humblest  soul  may  trust  in  thee. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  19 

Father,  to  me  a  token  show, 
My  claim  to  glory  let  me  know ; 
Strengthen  my  soul,  and  kindly  give 
"Continued  comfort  while  I  live. 


INVOCATION. 

Jesus  !  my  soul  shall  ever  be, 
An  altar  set  apart  for  thee ; 
Such  as  the  holy  prophets  rear'd, 
On  which  the  sacred  flame  appear'd. 

O  may  those  radiant  beams  of  thine, 
Around  my  tabernacle  shine  ; 
Thence  let  my  earliest  offerings  rise, 
Like  clouds  of  incense,  to  the  skies. 

Upon  the  glorious  mercy  seat, 
O'er  which  the  winged  cherubs  meet, 
Jesus,  my  great  High  Priest,  appear, 
Show  thy  prevailing  influence  there. 

Regard,  O  Lord,  thy  servant  still, 
To  me  thy  promises  fulfil ; 
My  humble  sacrifice  receive, 
And  bid  me  with  thine  Israel  live. 


20  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISER. 

FilPd  with  thy  presence,  and  thy  grace, 
Peace  shall  surround  my  dwelling  place, 
My  prayer,  through  the  atoning  blood, 
Shall  find  a  free  access  to  God. 


Can  aught  with  such  delight  compare  ? 
With  God,  to  hold  communion  here ; 
To  dwell  in  love  with  the  Most  High, 
Is  pure,  and  full,  and  perfect  joy. 

May  this  lov'd  intercourse  obtain, 
Long  as  life's  varied  scenes  remain ; 
Till  raised  where  my  Redeemer  is, 
To  dwell  in  realms  of  perfect  bliss. 


PRAYER  FOR  A  BLESSING. 

Saviour  !  assist  our  souls  to  raise 
Some  sweet  memorial  to  thy  praise ; 
Let  grace  be  in  abundance  given, 
To  guide  us  in  the  way  to  heaven. 

Impart  the  true  celestial  fire, 
And  every  waiting  soul  inspire ; 
Infuse  thy  love  in  full  display, 
And  wash  our  numerous  sins  away. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  21 

Eternal  Energy,  descend, 
While  we  around  thine  altar  bend ; 
Take  us  within  thy  kind  embrace, 
And  give  to  all  converting  grace. 


Illustrious  Advocate  above, 
Pour  on  our  souls  the  stream  of  love ; 
May  we  thy  full  salvation  see, 
And  sanctify  each  heart  to  thee. 

Grant  us  the  gift  of  holiness, 
Comforts  of  grace  and  perfect  bliss  ; 
A  sacred  pledge  of  life  to  come, 
Our  heavenly  rest,  and  final  home. 

Unite  us  in  a  social  band, 
Destin'd  to  reach  the  promised  land ; 
There  to  enjoy  perpetual  peace, 
In  realms  of  perfect  happiness. 


PREPARATION  FOR  HEAVEN. 

Jesus  !  I  love  thy  righteousness, 

Thy  holy  presence,  grace  and  power ; 

That  sin-subduing,  sweet  distress, 
The  oft  repeated  melting  shower. 


22  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Fast  I  approach  the  lonely  grave, 
And  have  no  other  trust  but  thee ; 

My  trembling  spirit  thou  can'st  save, 
In  nature's  last  extremity. 


Amidst  death's  dark  and  dreary  shade, 
Leave  me,  my  Saviour,  not  alone  ; 

Kindly  sustain  my  fainting  head, 
Till  all  thy  blessed  will  be  done. 

Wash  me  anew  in  thy  rich  blood, 
Thy  love  more  signally  display  ; 

Prepare  me  for  thy  bright  abode, 
Then  sweetly  call  me  hence  away. 


THE  LORD'S  SUPPER. 

Jesus  !  thou  Prince  of  life  and  peace, 
Our  wisdom,  and  our  righteousness  ; 
The  Lamb  of  God  to  mortals  given, 
The  bread  of  life,  sent  down  from  heaven. 


Millions  have  feasted,  Lord,  on  thee, 

The  true  incarnate  Deity  ; 

And  in  the  eucharistic  food, 

Have  eat  thy  flesh,  and  drank  thy  blood. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  23 

'Tis  here  the  wounded  finds  a  balm, 
The  wearied  rest,  the  grieved  a  calm  ; 
The  thirsty  souls  a  mountain  rill, 
That  flows  from  Calvary's  summit  still. 


Jesus,  at  this  our  feast  appear, 
Display  thy  holy  symbols  here ; 
To  each  the  true  memorials  give, 
And  in  our  best  affections  live. 


This  consecrated  bread  and  wine, 
And  all  the  sacred  rites  are  thine ; 
And  lo !  in  bending  circle,  we 
Do  this  in  memory  of  thee. 

This  record  of  redeeming  love, 
Shall  all  our  happiest  feelings  move ; 
And  while  our  days  are  spared  beneath, 
We  thus  show  forth  our  Saviour's  death. 


Happy,  if  we  at  last  shall  be, 
Call'd  into  heaven  to  sup  with  thee ; 
To  join  the  sacramental  host, 
With  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost. 


24  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


JESUS,  OUR  LORD. 

Jesus,  supreme,  the  Lord  of  all, 
Jehovah's  first  begotten  Son  : 

Around  his  throne  shall  empires  fall, 
Wide  as  earth's  varied  circles  run ; 

And  He,  while  endless  ages  roll, 

Shall  claim  an  undisturb'd  control. 


Jesus,  who  was  an  infant  born, 
Form'd  this  vast  universe  entire ; 

His  power  did  all  the  spheres  adorn, 
And  all  the  morning  stars  inspire ; 

His  word  unchangeably  secure, 

Through  countless  ages  shall  endure. 

Jesus,  who  liv'd,  and  bled,  and  died, 
Legions  unnumber'd  doth  command ; 

There  is  no  other  God  beside, 

Whose  counsels  shall  forever  stand ; 

And  angels  bowing  to  his  name, 

Spread  wide  his  everlasting  fame. 

Jesus,  the  "  first-fruits"  from  the  dead, 
(Who  but  a  God  could  rise  again  ?) 

Before  him  death  and  darkness  fled, 
That  immortality  might  reign ; 

To  him  alone  shall  praise  be  given, 

By  all  that  live  in  earth  or  heaven. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  25 

Behold  him  to  his  throne  ascend, 
His  glorious  kingdom  to  prepare ; 

From  thence  he  will  his  angels  send, 
To  gather  all  his  servants  there ; 

Where,  lost  in  rapture,  they  shall  raise 

Anthems  of  pure  unceasing  praise. 

Jesus  shall  all  our  songs  employ, 

Who  wash'd  us  in  his  precious  blood ; 

He  rules  in  majesty  on  high, 
Jehovah,  the  Eternal  God ; 

In  strains  of  sweet  and  full  accord, 

Angels  and  men  shall  praise  thee,  Lord. 


OUR  ADVOCATE. 

Jesus  !  our  mighty  Advocate, 
Before  the  eternal  throne ; 

On  me,  while  at  thy  cross  I  wait, 
Be  all  thy  mercy  shown. 

Forgive  my  great  amount  of  sin, 
Its  painful  guilt  remove  ; 

Cleanse  and  endow  my  soul  withiny 
With  all  the  charms  of  love. 

Thy  Spirit's  powerful  witness  give, 

In  bountiful  supplies  ; 
And  tell  me,  Lord,  that  I  shall  live 

Immortal  in  the  skies. 
3 


1 


26  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Then  let  old  time,  and  sin,  and  death, 
In  threatening  phalanx  move  ; 

Calmly  will  I  resign  my  breath 
For  brighter  scenes  above. 


THE   CROSS. 

I  sing  the  cross,  the  out-spread  tree, 
Where  Jesus  bled  and  died  for  me ; 
The  deep  pierc'd  side,  the  crimson  flood, 
The  nail-stretch'd  limbs,  and  streaming  blood ,* 
The  last,  best  gift,  by  grace  bestow'd, 
To  raise  a  prostrate  world  to  God. 

The  cross  on  Calvary  lifted  up, 

Heaven's  faithful  pledge,  man's  blissful  hope ; 

The  altar,  expiatory  made, 

On  which  earth's  sacrifice  was  laid ; 

The  all-prevailing,  sprinkled  blood, 

Shed  o'er  the  mercy  seat  of  God. 

The  cross,  an  open'd  intercourse 

With  time's  First  Cause,  and  nature's  Source  ; 

The  rent  veil,  opening  to  the  throne, 

Where  man  communes  with  God  alone ; 

In  sweet  celestial  visions  lost, 

The  cross  his  theme,  and  joy,  and  boast. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  27 

The  Saviour's  cross,  I  see  it  stand 
A  beacon  to  the  promised  land  ; 
Its  shining  radiance  beams  around, 
Breaking  upon  the  night  profound  ; 
Extending  to  that  far-off  shore, 
Where  darkness  veils  the  skies  no  more. 


The  cross,  like  Jacob's  ladder  seen, 
Stretch'd  the  full  space  both  worlds  between, 
On  which  earth's  sons  adventurous  rise, 
Above  the  azure  vaulted  skies ; 
To  range  with  the  etherial  powers, 
Heaven's  high  and  everlasting  towers. 

The  cross,  o'er  death's  most  fearful  tide, 
Spans  the  dark  gulf  from  side  to  side, 
Leading  to  that  salubrious  clime, 
Beyond  the  withering  blasts  of  time ; 
Where  all  the  flowery  landscapes  o'er, 
The  bosom  heaves  with  sighs  no  more. 


THE  GOOD  SHEPHERD. 

Christ,  the  good  Shepherd,  feeds 
His  people  with  his  love ; 

And  tenderly,  he  leads 
His  peaceful  flocks  above. 


28  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

The  lambs  are  gently  laid, 
With  kindness  on  his  breast ; 

And  in  his  bosom's  shade, 
They  sweetly  lie  at  rest. 


Gather'd  and  folded  thus, 
May  we  thy  goodness  share  ,* 

Beauties  of  heaven  to  us 

Thou  gracious  Shepherd  bear. 

Love  us,  and  lead  us  o'er 
Those  fields  above  the  sky  ; 

Where  the  heart  sighs  no  more, 
In  glorious  worlds  on  high. 


REDEMPTION. 

Hail  !  David's  Lord,  the  Holy  One, 
Who  fills  the  mighty  courts  of  heaven  ; 

Jehovah's  first  begotten  Son, 

To  him  be  boundless  glory  given. 

To  save  lost  sinners,  lo !  He  comes, 
Mankind's  supreme,  efficient  friend ; 

The  Eternal  God  our  form  assumes, 
And  with  Him  life  and  peace  descend. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  29 

What  thought  can  reach,  what  tongue  explain, 
This  love  to  all  the  world  made  known  ? 

God,  who  doth  o'er  creation  reign, 
"  Spar'd  not  his  own  beloved  Son." 

The  Son  of  God  was  crucified, 

He  all  our  sins  with  anguish  bore ; 

The  Lord  incarnate  liv'd  and  died, 
That  we  might  live  forevermore. 

I  see  the  robes,  the  millions  crown'd, 
The  mansions  furnish'd  by  my  Lord ; 

I  hear  the  trumpet's  cheerful  sound, 
Which  calls  from  labour  to  reward. 

O  may  I  spend  my  days  and  years, 
In  my  Redeemer's  lov'd  employ  ; 

And  when  the  end  of  life  appears, 
Enter  into  my  Master's  joy. 


JESUS,  RULE  THOU  OVER  US. 

Jesus,  Saviour,  rule  thou  o'er  us, 
All  thy  great  compassion  show ; 

Bid  thy  goodness  pass  before  us, 
Mercy's  utmost  power  bestow ; 
Then  thy  people 
Shall  their  great  Redeemer  know. 


30  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

O  thou  good,  and  wise,  and  holy, 
Thou,  whose  promises  are  sure ; 

Who  alone  can  bless  us  fully, 

Make,  O  make  thy  servants  pure ; 

Then  protect  them, 

While  the  cross  they  shall  endure. 


With  thanksgiving,  Lord,  we  meet  thee, 
At  thy  feet  our  offerings  pour ; 

There  with  songs  triumphant  greet  thee, 
And  thy  name  and  power  adore  ; 

While  hosannas 
Shall  respond  forevermore. 

Glorious  and  exalted  Saviour  ! 

All  thy  holy  Israel  say, 
Live  thou  in  our  hearts  forever, 

In  our  best  affections  stay  ; 

And  be  with  us 

Through  life's  wearied,  toilsome  way. 

Tune  our  harps  to  heavenly  measure, 
Sweeter  than  the  archangel's  lyre ; 

Full  and  richer  notes  of  pleasure, 
Shall  our  happy  souls  inspire ; 

While  in  concert, 
Mingles  the  cherubic  choir. 


O  what  scenes  of  holy  pleasure, 
Live  in  faithful  hearts  concealed ! 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  31 

Pure  and  overflowing  treasure, 

Through  the  love  of  Christ  revealed  ; 

And  those  blessings 
Heaven  doth  in  rich  plenty  yield. 


Cheerfully  we  now  reside  here, 
Happy  in  our  tents  to  stay ; 

And  while  God  is  pleas'd,  abide  here, 
Till  from  labour  call'd  away  ; 
Then  exulting, 
Pass  the  vestibule  of  day. 

Ready  is  the  way  to  glory, 
Wait  we  only  Jesus'  word  ; 

For  when  absent  from  the  body, 
We  are  present  with  the  Lord  ; 

In  a  moment 
Pass  we  to  our  great  reward. 


THE  INVITATION. 

Come,  poor  sinners,  come  to  Jesus, 
Lo,  he  hangs  upon  the  tree  ,* 

Was  there  ever  love  more  gracious 
Mercy  more  entirely  free  ; 

Look,  poor  sinners, 
On  the  brow  of  Calvarv. 


32  DJWOTTOHAL    EXEIU  I5ES. 

Come  with  all  your  sins  to  Jesus, 
With  your  tears  his  cross  bedew ; 

Come  receive  his  love  most  precious, 
Hark !  he  intercedes  for  you — 
"  O  forgive  them, 

For  they  know  not  what  they  do." 


Come  poor  sinners,  Jesus  loves  you, 
Greater  love  he  could  not  show, 

Graciously  his  spirit  moves  you, 
O  submit  to  Jesus  now ; 

Though  like  crimson, 
He  will  make  you  white  as  snow. 

Sinners,  ye  were  form'd  for  heaven, 
Though  you  now  in  darkness  lay  ; 

Now  arise  and  be  forgiven, 

Why  will  you  in  bondage  stay  ? 

Come  to  Jesus, 
Blood-bought  sinners,  come  away. 

Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Spirit, 
Kindly  do  invite  you  home, 

Pointing  where  you  may  inherit, 
Eden  in  immortal  bloom  ; 

O  ye  much  lov'd, 
Trembling,  dying,  sinners  come. 

On  the  embattled  heights  of  glory 
Hosts  of  wishful  angels  stay, 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  33 

Holding  in  their  hands  before  you 
Crowns  of  everlasting  day ; 

Sweetly  saying, 
Welcome  sinners,  come  away. 

Rise  poor  sinners,  haste  to  Jesus, 
Hail  him  as  your  sovereign  lord ; 

This  glad  moment  is  auspicious, 
Trust  the  dying  Saviour's  word ; 

And  full  glory, 
Shall  be  given  as  your  reward. 

Enter  now  those  realms  of  glory, 
Take  your  seat  at  God's  right  hand  ,* 

Open'd  is  the  way  before  you, 

Where  the  flaming  seraphs  stand ; 

There  forever 
Join  the  heavenly  choral  band. 


"  BEHOLD  WHAT  MANNER  OF  LOVE.' 

Behold  what  unexampled  love, 

Earth's  mighty  founder  did  display ; 
He  left  his  glorious  throne  above, 

To  bear  our  load  of  guilt  away; 
Attired  himself  in  flesh  and  blood, 

Assum'd  and  dwelt  in  human  form, 
To  reconcile  and  bring  to  God, 

A  fallen,  poor,  and  helpless  worm. 


34  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

He,  whom  the  angel  hosts  adore, 

His  great  regard  for  man  to  show, 
Our  sin's  dread  mountain  weight  he  bore 

Upon  Mount  Calvary's  fearful  brow. 
Jesus,  the  holy  promised  seed, 

The  dreadful  wine-press  trod  alone ; 
For  all  mankind  the  Lord  did  bleed, 

For  all  the  human  race  atone. 


Lo  !  what  a  healing,  cleansing  tide, 

To  all  poor  trembling  sinners  free, 
Was  open'd  in  the  Saviour's  side, 

On  the  rude  clift  of  Calvary. 
To  that  pure  life-restoring  blood, 

Let  all  the  sons  of  earth  repair, 
And  bathe  and  wash  them  in  that  flood, 

That  poured  its  balmy  current  there. 

Ten  thousand  thousand  beauteous  forms, 

Redeem'd  through  Jesus'  bleeding  love ; 
Rescued  from  earth's  infuriate  storms, 

Are  singing  with  the  hosts  above. 
To  him  that  love  them  and  did  die, 

Who  washed  them  in  his  precious  blood, 
And  brought  them  to  his  courts  on  high, 

And  made  them  kings  and  priests  to  God. 

Jesus,  thou  art  my  only  hope, 

The  triumphs  of  thy  cross  I  see ; 

From  Olivet's  embroidered  top, 
O  may  I  rise  and  follow  thee. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  35 

Redeem  me  from  my  guilt  and  sin, 

Speak  me  at  once  through  thee  forgiven  ; 

Cleanse,  and  preserve  me  pure  within, 
Prepared  and  sanctified  for  heaven. 

The  merit  of  thy  death  I  need, 

Thy  holy  sacrificial  blood  ; 
Make  me  an  Israelite  indeed, 

A  true  obedient  child  of  God. 
Give  me  the  living  witness  still, 

That  I  am  born  again  of  thee, 
Thy  infinite  designs  fulfil  ; 

Take  up  thy  residence  in  me. 

Grant  me  the  pledge  of  future  rest, 

The  seal  of  Jesus'  dying  love ; 
Set  up  thy  throne  within  my  breast, 

Which  never,  never  shall  remove. 
Let  me  with  the  enraptur'd  throng, 

Those  harpers  on  the  etherial  towers, 
Join  in  the  sweet  and  blissful  song, 

Amidst  heaven's  amaranthine  bowers. 


JESUS'  NAME. 

Jesus,  my  Lord,  who  died  for  me, 
The  merit  of  thy  death  apply ; 

My  heart  from  guilt  and  sin  set  free, 
And  mould  me  for  the  realms  on  high. 


i 


36  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Jesus,  thy  holy,  precious  name, 
Is  competent  to  make  me  whole ; 

'Tis  now,  immutably  the  same, 
A  healing  balm  for  every  soul. 


Thousands  have  known  its  saving  power, 
Its  bliss  inspiring  virtue  given ; 

To  all  thy  saints  it  stands  a  tower, 
Which  rears  its  lofty  spire  to  heaven. 

Light  into  sightless  eyes  it  brings, 
In  floods  of  pure  effulgent  day  ; 

The  tongue  once  locked  in  silence  sings 
A  sweet  and  evangelic  lay. 

Thy  name  is  full  of  truth  and  love, 
In  grace  to  every  mortal  free ; 

To  mortals  thy  compassions  move, 
As  boundless  as  immensity. 


Source  of  all  holiness  most  pure, 
Exceeding  far  all  human  thought ; 

In  me  the  fruits  of  grace  mature, 
By  the  eternal  spirit  wrought. 


Jesus,  I  would  resemble  thee, 

O  make  me  thus  through  thy  rich  blood ; 
The  "  pure  in  heart"  alone  shall  see 

The  glorious  majesty  of  God* 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  37 

Bid  new  unfolding  pleasures  rise, 
Illume  each  opening  scene  with  joy, 

Spread  o'er  me  kind  and  brighter  skies, 
Let  praises  be  my  lov'd  employ. 

The  rich  endowments  of  thy  mind, 

Bind  as  a  girdle  on  my  breast ; 
And  lead  me  where  my  soul  shall  find, 

An  heavenly  paradise  of  rest. 


Cleanse  me  in  every  thought  and  word, 
And  heavenward  guide  my  wayward  feet ; 

In  works  of  holiness  prepared, 

O  make  me  for  thy  kingdom  meet. 

Thy  temple  beautify  and  fill, 

Make  known  thy  glorious  presence  here ; 
Preside  within  my  bosom  still, 

And  let  thy  dwelling  place  be  there. 

Fill  and  adorn  my  soul  with  grace, 
Bow  all  my  passions  to  thy  sway ; 

May  love  abound  in  every  place, 

And  darkness  flee  the  approach  of  day. 

Then  each  returning  hour  shall  bring, 
A  foretaste  of  the  bliss  to  come ; 

Till  at  thy  word  I  rise  to  sing, 

In  heaven,  my  final,  peaceful  home. 

4 


38  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


REDEMPTION. 

Redemption  !  what  a  blissful  sound, 
How  sweet  its  numbers,  how  profound  ; 

How  rich  its  harmony ; 
Its  lovely  variations  roll, 
And  bring  to  every  human  soul, 

The  love  of  Deity. 


Redemption  makes  the  deserts  bloom, 
And  nature's  barren  wilds  assume 

Verdure  that  never  dies  ; 
And  all  earth's  sons  may  now  behold 
New  and  more  beauteous  scenes  unfold, 

Fruitful  as  paradise. 

Redemption  is  the  purest  balm, 
The  brightest,  most  effulgent  charm, 

That  heaven  itself  could  give  ; 
Its  mild,  and  soul-transforming  grace, 
Spreads  endless  life  from  place  to  place, 

And  bids  the  dying  live. 

Redemption  is  all  purity, 
The  spotless  mind  of  Deity  ; 

His  bleeding,  dying  love  ; 
And  lo !  he  left  his  splendid  throne, 
This  grace  more  fully  to  make  known, 

That  we  might  rise  above, 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  39 

Redemption  !  may  the  rapturous  joy, 
All  tongues,  all  hearts,  all  songs  employ, 

Creation's  bound'ries  o'er ; 
Far  may  the  bounding  echo  fly, 
From  orb  to  orb,  from  sky  to  sky, 

Till  skies  shall  be  no  more. 


« THERE  IS  NO  OTHER  NAME  GIVEN.' 

Jesus,  thy  hallowed  name, 

My  soul  exulting  hears, 
O  may  its  warm  inspiring  flame, 

Charm  my  remaining  years. 
Tis  happier  far  than  all 

The  names  to  mortals  given, 
Myriads  on  earth  before  it  fall, 

And  all  the  hosts  of  heaven. 

O  Jesus,  make  my  heart 

Thy  holy  dwelling  place  ; 
By  thee  adorned  in  every  part, 

And  beautified  with  grace. 
Bath'd  in  thy  precious  blood, 

May  all  my  powers  be  clean , 
A  holy  sacrifice  to  God, 

An  offering  free  from  sin. 


40  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

To  thee  my  all  incline, 

Guide  me  that  peaceful  road ; 
Where  far  more  radiantly  doth  shine, 

The  perfect  love  of  God. 
Supremely  I  admire 

The  mind  that  was  in  thee ; 
No  other  bliss  do  I  desire, 

But  that  bestowed  by  thee. 


Through  all  the  realms  above, 

Or  spheres  that  range  abroad, 
There's  nothing  that  my  soul  doth  love, 

So  much  as  thee  my  Lord. 
Thee  only  I  adore, 

Thou,  who  didst  first  love  me ; 
And  O  !  may  every  thought  and  power, 

Be  sanctified  to  thee. 


May  goodness,  truth  and  love 

Bless  my  declining  days, 
'Till  with  thy  saints  I  rise  above, 

To  hymn  thy  boundless  praise. 
Angels  shall  join  the  song, 

When  they  the  rapture  see ; 
And  roll  the  numbers  all  along, 

To  all  eternity. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  41 


THE  OPENED  FOUNTAIN. 


The  Lord,  on  Zion's  mountain, 

Hath  opened  wide  and  free 
A  pure  and  holy  fountain, 

For  all  mankind  and  me. 
For  sin  and  all  pollution, 

It  pours  a  healing  flood, 
And  gives  full  absolution, 

Through  Jesus'  cleansing  blood. 

Mysterious  was  the  passion, 

My  Saviour's  dying  love  ; 
How  wond'rous  the  compassion, 

Which  Deity  did  move. 
Exalted  mediation ! 

The  High  and  Holy  One, 
Exchang'd  for  our  salvation, 

The  grandeur  of  his  throne. 

Inexplicable  story, 

The  Lord  who  rules  above, 
Did  lay  aside  his  glory, 

To  show  the  world  his  love. 
The  pathway  up  to  heaven, 

With  radiance  did  illume ; 
And  mortals  now  forgiven, 

Have  victory  o'er  the  tomb. 


42  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Behold  the  earth  now  blooming 

With  Sharon's  lovely  rose ; 
And  distant  lands  assuming 

The  splendour  heaven  bestows. 
Where  once  fierce  demons  slumber'd, 

The  serpent's  dread  abode, 
Are  crowding  ranks  unnumber'd, 

Ascending  up  to  God. 

Jesus  the  Saviour  leads  them 

Where  crystal  currents  flow, 
On  fruits  immortal  feeds  them, 

Where  undimm'd  beauties  glow. 
'Midst  pure  undying  pleasure, 

In  heaven's  immortal  clime, 
O'erwhelm'd  beneath  the  measure 

Of  glories  most  sublime. 

With  prophets  of  past  ages, 

And  heaven's  sweet  minstrelsy, 
And  bands  of  noble  sages, 

We  there  shall  worship  thee. 
All,  all  shall  there  conspire, 

To  adore  redeeming  love, 
And  sweep  the  ethereal  lyre 

Around  the  throne  above. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  43 


FOR  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT. 

Holy,  pure  and  gentle  Spirit, 
Bid  me  all  thy  grace  inherit ; 
Let  me  all  thy  beauties  see, 
Stretch  thy  shadowing  wing  o'er  me. 

Fully  on  my  soul  impress 
All  thy  mind  and  righteousness, 
Every  kind  affection  move, 
Fill  me  with  thy  perfect  love. 

Sweet  effusion  round  me  shine, 
Glow  within  this  heart  of  mine  ; 
Dwell  continually  in  me, 
Over-ruling  Deity. 

Mould  each  passion  to  thy  sway, 
Cleanse  the  stain  of  sin  away  ; 
All  my  heart  with  grace  refine, 
Make  me  heavenly,  make  me  thine. 


FOR  DIVINE  FAVOUR. 

Search  me,  O  Lord,  try  all  within, 
And  cleanse  me  fully  from  all  sin ; 
Prove  thou  my  reins,  nor  let  there  be 
One  careless  thought,  O  Lord,  of  thee. 


44  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Grant  me  free  intercourse  with  God, 
Through  the  atoning  Saviour's  blood  ,- 
Let  the  true  light,  with  purest  ray, 
Shine  more  unto  the  perfect  day. 


Give  me  "  the  wisdom  from  above,' 
The  holy  signature  of  love  ; 
The  hope,  and  expectation  given 
Of  future  blessedness  in  heaven. 


O  Thou  whose  piercing  eye  surveys, 
My  silent  thoughts  and  outward  ways ; 
A  record  of  thy  name  impart, 
Engraven  deeply  on  my  heart. 

Exalted  though  thy  throne  appears, 
Above  those  bright  revolving  spheres ; 
Yet  thou  hast  made  through  boundless  grace, 
An  humble  soul  thy  dwelling  place. 

Kind  and  indulgent  Holy  One, 
My  heart  inspire,  thy  will  be  done ; 
My  grovelling  soul  from  earth  refine. 
And  make  me,  Lord,  a  child  of  thine. 


My  whole  design,  my  motives  bless, 
Clothe  each  with  spotless  holiness ; 
Help  me  with  faultless  single  aim, 
To  glorify  my  Saviours  name. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  45 

O  may  thy  pure  and  changeless  love, 
With  glowing  warmth  my  bosom  move : 
Till  life  shall  close  let  this  be  given, 
An  earnest  of  the  joys  in  heaven. 


DEVOTION. 

Come,  Jesus,  reign  in  me, 

My  passions  all  control ; 
Shed  thy  unblemish'd  purity, 

Like  dew,  upon  my  soul. 

Richly  adorn  my  mind, 

With  pure  and  heavenly  grace ; 
Then  bring  me,  when  by  love  refined, 

To  see  thee  face  to  face. 


MY  WANTS  ARE  BEFORE  THEE. 

Father,  in  times  and  seasons  past, 
My  num'rous  wants  thou  didst  supply  ; 

And  still  my  cares  I  humbly  cast 

On  thee,  whose  power  formed  earth  and  sky. 


46  DEVOTIONAL    EXBBCISB8. 

My  soul  inspire,  thyself  reveal, 

Freely  endow  my  mind  with  grace  ; 

Let  me  behold,  without  a  veil, 
The  milder  glories  of  thy  face. 

Far  from  all  mean  and  grovelling  things, 
Direct  my  constant  thoughts  to  thee  ; 

Keep  me  beneath  thy  out-spread  wings, 
From  every  sin  and  danger  free. 

Of  thy  unblemish'd  purity, 

Give  me  a  just  and  humbling  sense ; 
In  every  object  may  I  see 

Thy  goodness  and  kind  providence. 


Those  rolling  spheres,  with  boundless  space, 
All,  all  is  full,  O  Lord,  of  thee  ; 

Yet,  if  thou  please,  thy  dwelling  place 
Shall  be  with  such  a  worm  as  me. 


I  would  not  that  these  scenes  below, 
Should  be  my  permanent  abode  ; 

Those  deathless  joys  I  long  to  know, 
Around  the  eternal  throne  of  God. 


Melts  my  fond  heart  with  inward  pain, 
A  longing  after  bliss  to  come  ; 

To  be  imparadis'd  again 

In  climes  of  pure,  immortal  bloom. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  47 

I  ask  that  faith  that  shall  endure, 

Though  oft  through  fiery  conflicts  driven ; 

Which  stands  invincibly  secure, 

Holding  unwearied  grasp  on  heaven. 


0  for  that  full  extatic  hope 

That  triumphs  in  redeeming  love ; 
Which  views  from  Calvary's  hallow'd  top 
Those  everlasting  joys  above. 

Thou  changeless  Source  of  grace  and  love, 
Of  power,  of  light,  and  purity ; 

All  earthliness  far  off  remove, 
Open  a  heaven  of  love  in  me. 

Its  pure,  unsullied  glories  shed, 

Like  the  full  noon-tide  beams  of  day  j 

Nor  let  a  cloud  its  shadow  spread, 
To  dim  the  lustre  of  one  ray. 

Love  is  the  radiance  of  thy  throne, 

The  essence  of  all  holiness ; 
And  in  thy  courts,  it  forms  alone 

The  purest  source  of  oerfect  bliss. 

Strives  my  whole  soul  this  bliss  to  prove, 
In  confidence  that  God  loves  me ; 

1  ask  no  more  than  Jesus'  love, 

In  time  or  in  eternity. 


48  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


THY  KINGDOM  COME. 

Jesus  !  thy  kingdom  come, 
Thy  holy  will  be  done  ; 

Thy  mediatorial  power  assume, 
Thou  great  and  Holy  One. 

Rule  thou  o'er  all  the  earth, 
As  thou  dost  rule  in  heaven  ; 

Give  to  all  tribes  and  people  birth, 
Speak  all  mankind  forgiven. 

Awake  with  mighty  power, 
Jehovah's  arm,  awake ; 

Thy  spirit  on  the  nations  pour, 
Make  earth  and  heaven  shake. 


Bring  in  thy  kingdom  now, 
Which  never  shall  remove  ; 

Then  as  we  need,  on  all  bestow 
Thy  mercy,  truth,  and  love. 


Make  us  throughout  sincere, 
From  all  offences  free  ; 

And  aid  us  with  a  godly  fear, 
To  humbly  worship  thee. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  49 


FOR  SPECIAL  GRACE. 

Saviour  of  all,  inscribe  on  me 
Thy  signature  of  purity, 

The  image  of  thy  love ; 
Then  save  me  from  the  least  offence, 
And  by  thy  gracious  providence, 

Guide  me  where'er  I  move. 


Give  me  a  cheerful,  steady  mind, 
Grateful,  affectionate  and  kind, 

In  all  respects  like  thee ; 
Bid  me  thy  utmost  grace  receive, 
And  let  me  in  thy  presence  live, 

And  all  thy  goodness  see. 


Grant  me  a  true  and  filial  fear, 
Thy  cause  to  love,  and  name  revere, 

And  on  thy  word  repose  ; 
Thy  meek  and  lowly  mind  possess, 
Thy  spirit,  and  thy  holiness, 

Till  life  itself  shall  close. 


5 


50  DEVOTIONAL    EXEltCISES. 


REDEEMING    LOVE. 

O !  now  I  love  the  love  of  God, 
And  long  to  have  it  shed  abroad 

More  fully  in  my  breast; 
To  feel  its  spotless  holiness, 
In  all  its  utmost  perfectness, 

On  every  power  imprest. 


Love  is  a  gem  of  purest  ray, 
The  beauty  of  eternal  day, 

Emblem  of  the  Deity  ; 
And  God  did  lay  aside  his  crown, 
To  bring  this  gift  to  mortals  down, 

My  soul,  it  was  for  thee ! 


Mysterious  and  Almighty  love, 
Surpassing  all  the  heights  above, 

Its  bound'ries  none  can  reach ; 
Its  measureless  extent  profound, 
Encircling,  in  its  matchless  round, 

Illimitable  space. 

Redeeming  love !  divinely  wrought 
Exceeds  the  boldest  flight  of  thought, 

To  men  or  angels  given ; 
Its  grandeur  and  immensity, 
No  mortal  can  approach  and  see, 

'Tis  God  himself!  'Tis  heaven  ! 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  51 

"  Bows  my  whole  soul  beneath  its  weight," 
Its  length,  and  breadth,  and  depth,  and  height,, 

And  pure  divinity ; 
'Tis  all  my  bliss,  and  all  my  boast, 
In  love  to  be  overwhelm'd  and  lost, 

To  all  eternity. 


PRAYER  FOR  BLESSINGS. 

Eternal  Lord,  my  soul  inspire, 
With  streams  of  pure,  celestial  fire ; 
Give  the  true  wisdom  from  above, 
With  all  the  perfectness  of  love. 

Save  me  from  an  inconstant  mind, 
Troubled  and  toss'd  by  every  wind ; 
From  every  anxious  care  set  free, 
Confiding  all  I  have  to  thee. 

Preserve  me  from  the  fearful  snare, 
Of  unbelief,  and  fell  despair  ; 
The  vigour  of  my  faith  sustain, 
While  in  life's  conflict  I  remain. 

From  secret  and  presumptuous  sin, 
O !  wash  my  soul,  and  all  within ; 
Passion,  and  self,  and  pride,  remove, 
That  nothing  may  remain  but  love. 


52  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


FAITH. 

Jesus,  I  do  believe  thy  word, 
Thy  holy,  sacred  promise,  Lord, 
Thy  changeless  truth,  it  shall  endure 
Beyond  the  wreck  of  worlds,  secure. 

Implanted  deeply  in  my  heart, 
The  righteousness  of  faith  impart ; 
Its  vast  omnipotence  display, 
And  banish  unbelief  away. 

By  faith  we  view  from  Calvary's  top, 
The  path  to  glory  lighted  up  ; 
The  millions  saved,  the  eternal  throne, 
The  Great,  the  High,  the  Holy  One. 

'Tis  faith  that  works  by  perfect  love, 
The  substance  of  the  things  above  ; 
An  evidence  to  mortals  given, 
Of  things  unseen,  reserv'd  in  heaven. 

It  gives  a  constant,  cheerful  mind, 
And  is  to  virtuous  thoughts  inclin'd  ; 
Each  good  desire,  each  grace  improves, 
And  every  anxious  fear  removes. 

'Tis  light  divine,  the  spirit's  power, 
The  oft  repeated  heavenly  shower, 
It  aids  our  intercourse  above, 
And  dwells  with  purifying  love. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  53 


PRAISE. 

Jesus,  we  laud  thy  glorious  name, 
Thy  grace  and  majesty  proclaim, 

For  praise  and  power  belong  to  thee ; 
We  would  employ,  to  hymn  thy  love, 
Those  harps  whose  numbers  sweetest  move, 

Attun'd  to  all  eternity. 

Sing,  sing,  my  soul,  awake  thy  lyre, 
Inhale  the  glowing,  kindling  fire, 

Which  trembled  on  the  harps  of  old ; 
To  Him  who  did  redemption  bring, 
Hosannas  in  the  highest  sing, 

And  all  his  wond'rous  love  unfold. 


Let  all  earth's  minstrel  sons  enroll, 
From  side  to  side,  from  pole  to  pole, 

With  all  the  choral  heavenly  host ; 
And  loudest  hallelujahs  raise, 
In  strains  of  universal  praise, 

To  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost. 

Redeeming  love,  how  vast  the  theme, 
Its  bliss  how  pure,  and  how  supreme, 

Its  mighty  bounds,  and  depths  unknown ; 
Its  triumphs  and  extatic  joy, 
Do  all  the  blood-washed  hosts  employ, 

In  worship,  round  the  Eternal  One. 
5* 


54  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

There  swell  the  richest  chords  of  song, 
Sustain'd  by  the  unnumbcr'd  throng, 

Embower'd  in  immortality ; 
And  God,  whose  glories  fill  the  throne, 
The  One  in  Three,  the  Three  in  One, 

Is  lov'd  and  praised  eternally. 

O  !  how  I  long  those  worlds  to  gain, 
Where  pure,  undying  pleasures  reign, 

The  saints'  blest,  permanent  abode  ; 
Secure  from  sin,  and  sighs,  and  toil, 
Cloth'd  with  the  soul-enrapturing  smile, 

Of  heaven,  of  glory,  and  of  God. 


FOR   HOLINESS. 

O  Thou,  whose  power  all  things  control, 
Stamp  thy  blest  image  on  my  soul  ; 
Let  me  thy  heavenly  impress  bear, 
Thy  rich  and  holy  vesture  wear. 

Thy  utmost  saving  power  display, 
Cleanse  my  pollutions  all  away, 
Save  me  from  sins'  least  blemish  free, 
To  perfect  holiness  in  thee. 

Jesus,  thy  precious  sprinkling  blood 

Atones  before  the  throne  of  God ; 

O  may  its  merit  now  impart 

The  power  and  grace  to  cleanse  my  heart. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  55 

Thy  temple  beautify  once  more, 
And  perfect  righteousness  restore ; 
O  make  my  soul  thy  blest  abode, 
The  temple  of  the  living  God. 


My  Father !  O  that  precious  name, 
Thy  changeless  love  is  still  the  same ; 
Fully  adopt  me  as  thine  own, 
Call  me  thy  well  beloved  son. 


Then  shall  my  wants  be  well  supplied, 
If  thou  my  Lord  for  me  provide  ; 
By  thee  shall  plenteous  grace  be  given. 
To  rear  me  as  a  child  for  heaven. 


Enrolled  among  the  heirs  of  bliss, 
Renewed  in  love  and  righteousness ; 
Where  all  my  soul  and  strength  shall  be 
Employ'd,  O  Lord,  in  serving  thee. 


DIVINE  LOVE. 

Jesus,  my  soul  delights  to  prove 
Thy  power,  thy  holiness  and  love, 
To  feel  thy  glorious  influence  shed 
Profusely  on  my  heart  and  head. 


56  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

To  me  thy  gracious  mind  reveal, 
Make  known  the  pleasure  of  thy  will ; 
Thy  witness  to  my  soul  convey, 
And  cleanse  my  vileness  all  away. 


From  sin's  entire  dominion  free, 
Form  holy  principles  in  me  ; 
Prepare  my  soul  as  thine  abode, 
With  all  the  mind  and  love  of  God. 


With  heaven's  alluring,  blissful  charm, 
My  hopes  revive,  my  bosom  warm, 
To  happier  worlds  each  power  incline, 
WThere  brighter  beams  of  glory  shine. 


REDEEMING   LOVE. 

Redeeming  love,  its  precious  worth, 
Exceeds  the  brightest  gems  of  earth ; 
So  great  and  infinite  its  store, 
Than  worlds  on  worlds  'tis  valued  more. 


Its  sacred  virtues  pow'rful  are, 
A  world  of  helpless  souls  to  cheer ; 
Heaven's  most  magnificent  display, 
The  prelude  to  immortal  day. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  57 

Boundless  is  Jesus'  love,  and  free, 
Though  crimson'd  our  pollutions  be ; 
Pardon  for  each  offence  is  given, 
Though  numerous  as  the  clouds  of  heaven. 


Low  at  thy  feet  I  bow  my  knee, 
O  thou  who  didst  at  first  love  me, 
Whate'er  thou  wilt  withhold  or  give, 
Redeeming  love  let  me  receive. 


Almighty  love !  my  hope,  my  bliss, 
My  boast,  my  full  redemption  this, 
My  soul's  delight,  and  sweet  abode, 
The  miniature  of  heaven  and  God. 


THY  WILL  BE  DONE. 

Saviour,  thy  will  be  done  in  me, 

The  least  of  those  who  love  thy  name ; 

Sweetly  subdue  my  heart  to  thee, 
And  all  my  waywardness  reclaim. 

O  may  thy  heavenly  beams  illume 
The  dark  profound  of  nature's  night ; 

Thy  chaos-moving  power  assume, 

Speak  but  the  word,  there  shall  be  light. 


58  DEVOTIONAL    EXEKCTSES. 

My  fearful  state  through  sin  expose, 
Till  humbled  in  the  dust  I  lie, 

My  will  most  graciously  dispose 
Th'  alluring  paths  of  sin  to  fly. 


Saviour,  I  know  this  is  thy  will, 

That  all  my  sins  should  cancelPd  be ; 

No  guilt,  no  condemnation  feel, 
From  Satan's  dark  dominion  free. 


Then  let  thy  spirit  from  above, 
A  clear  and  present  witness  give ; 

O'erflow  my  soul  with  peace  and  love, 
And  bid  me  to  thy  glory  live. 

Call  me,  O  Lord,  a  child  of  thine, 

And  all  my  thoughts  and  motives  bless  ; 

Let  thy  full  glories  round  me  shine, 
With  beams  of  perfect  holiness. 

Draw  me  with  kind  affection's  cord, 
Thy  goodness  every  hour  display ; 

Control  each  passion,  act,  and  word, 
And  rule  with  calm  and  gentle  sway. 

Subdue  my  nature,  mind  and  will, 
Wholly  conform  my  soul  to  thee, 

Thy  infinite  designs  fulfil, 

And  perfect  all  thy  work  in  me. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  59 

May  pure  celestial  fire  be  given, 

My  heart  most  fully  to  refine ; 
Then  strongly  set  the  seal  of  heaven, 

Thy  glorious  signature  divine. 


SUPPLICATION. 

O  for  that  pure  ethereal  fire 
That  did  the  ancient  church  inspire ; 
The  strong  wind  rushing  from  above, 
The  flaming  tongues,  the  stream  of  love. 

The  Holy  Ghost  diffused  abroad, 
The  softening,  melting  power  of  God ; 
The  gracious  purifying  flame, 
Obtained  through  faith  in  Jesus'  name. 


The  calm,  the  cheerful,  heavenly  mind, 
The  soul  and  all  its  powers  refin'd, 
The  meek  and  quiet  spirit  given, 
The  nature  and  the  mould  of  heaven. 


The  seal  to  realms  of  boundless  peace, 
To  crowns  and  robes  of  righteousness  ; 
The  foretaste  of  that  bliss  to  come, 
The  soul's  eternal,  peaceful  home. 


60  DEVOTIONAL    EXEKCISES. 


THE  RELIGION  OF  OUR  FATHERS. 

When,  O  my  Saviour,  when  shall  I 
Cleave  unto  thee  with  single  eye ; 
When  shall  my  anxious  bosom  feel 
The  kind  expressions  of  thy  will. 

O !  let  me  find  some  favours  where 
My  sires  obtained  so  large  a  share, 
The  grace  which  they  so  richly  prov'd, 
And  love  thee  as  the  fathers  lov'd. 

The  faith  that  Abra'm  did  possess, 
Reckon'd  to  him  for  righteousness, 
By  which  he  saw  his  offspring  given 
In  number  as  the  stars  of  heaven. 

That  firm  and  cheerful  state  of  mind, 
To  pain  or  ease  alike  resign'd ; 
Esteeming  with  a  true  regard, 
"  The  recompense  of  great  reward." 

Grant  me  those  blessings  from  above, 
Richly  adorn'd  with  fruits  of  love ; 
The  Spirit's  welcome  influence  pour, 
That  my  full  soul  may  thirst  no  more. 

O  may  I  live  supremely  blest, 
Inspir'd  with  hope  of  future  rest ; 
Happy  may  all  my  days  become, 
Till  God  shall  call  my  spirit  home. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  61 


SABBATH  SCHOOLS. 

Jesus,  assembled  in  thy  name, 

We  bow  the  humble  suppliant  knee, 

And  as  the  ancient  mothers  came, 
We  bring  our  tender  charge  to  thee. 

Most  fervently  thy  servants  pray, 
Accepted  may  our  off'rings  be ; 

Saviour,  again  in  kindness  say, 

"  Bring  all  your  children  unto  me." 

O  thou  "  good  Shepherd  of  the  sheep," 
Who  didst  for  all  thy  life  lay  down, 

Those  objects  of  thy  goodness  keep, 
And  guard  and  love  them  as  thine  own. 

Fold  them  within  thy  kind  embrace, 
And  feed  them  with  redeeming  love, 

Till  they  are  called  to  see  thy  face, 
In  bright  and  happier  worlds  above. 


SABBATH    SCHOOLS. 

Jesus,  hallow'd  be  thy  name, 
We  thy  love  and  goodness  claim ; 
May  our  much  lov'd  children  be 
Taught  to  love  and  worship  thee* 
6 


62  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Help  us  mould  them  good  and  kind, 
Models  of  the  Saviour's  mind ; 
May  each  youthful  bosom  bear 
Jesus'  image  graven  there. 


Make  them  by  our  side  to  grow, 
Graceful  as  the  olive  bough  : 
Blooming  each  with  love  divine, 
Fruitful  as  the  ciuster'd  vine. 


May  we  and  our  children  be 
Constantly  supplied  by  thee  ; 
As  our  various  wants  demand, 
Spread  to  us  thy  bounteous  hand. 

By  our  great  Redeemer's  side, 
With  our  flocks  let  us  abide, 
There  in  cheerful  order  move, 
Richly  full  of  Jesus'  love. 

Folded  thus  may  we  enjoy 
Heaven's  full  bliss  without  alloy, 
Sav'd  from  all  corruption  free, 
Let  us  live  and  die  to  thee. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


DELIVERANCE  FROM  EVIL. 

From  sin's  most  sore  oppressive  load, 

I  sigh  to  be  set  free, 
And  claim  the  virtue  of  that  blood, 

Shed  for  the  world  and  me. 

The  man  of  sin,  the  strong  man  bind, 
Sin's  every  germ  destroy ; 

From  sin  be  every  power  refin'd, 
And  then  those  powers  employ. 

Richly,  O  Lord,  endow  my  heart, 

With  holiness  and  love  ; 
Those  pure  and  perfect  gifts  impart, 

That  cometh  from  above. 

Thy  meek  and  holy,  spotless  mind, 

Freely  bestow  on  me, 
Gentle,  affectionate,  and  kind, 

And  full  of  charity. 

Balm'd  with  the  sacrificial  blood, 

New  life  to  me  convey, 
And  lead  me  to  the  throne  of  God, 

The  new  and  living  way. 

Give  the  abiding  witness,  Lord, 
That  thou  art  pleas'd  with  me ; 

Deeply  engrave  the  living  word, 
That  I  am  lov'd  by  thee. 


64  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Born  from  above,  my  Father's  name 
May  every  feature  bear, 

His  love  my  passions  all  inflame, 
My  soul  his  vesture  wear. 


With  Him,  sweet  intercourse  sustain, 

His  smile  approving  see ; 
Then  be  imparadis'd  again, 

In  immortality. 


WORSHIP. 

Our  Father,  Sov'reign  Lord  of  all, 
Before  thy  gracious  throne  we  fall ; 
In  holy  fervent  prayer  to  thee, 
We  bow  the  humble  suppliant  knee. 

Thy  promis'd  truth  and  changeless  love, 
Deep  in  our  trembling  hearts  record  ; 
Thy  grace  we  seek,  thyself  we  claim, 
Through  Jesus'  all  prevailing  name. 

Thy  soul-anointing  influence  shed, 
O'er  us  thy  wings  of  mercy  spread, 
All  power,  all  holiness  be  given, 
All,  all,  we  can  contain  of  heaven. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  65 

Do  these  requests  exceed  thy  power  ? 
Those  wants  exhaust  thy  matchless  store  1 
Thy  mercies,  Lord,  so  boundless  are, 
Immensity  is  written  there. 


O  that  unveil'd  we  all  may  see 

Thy  glorious  beaming  majesty  ; 

Till  from  those  radiations  given, 

Our  souls  shall  change  from  earth  to  heaven. 


ABRAHAM'S  GOD. 

Hail  !  Abraham's  God  alone, 

Whose  faithful  word  is  sure, 
And  firm  as  is  his  throne, 

It  ever  shall  endure  ; 
And  on  his  truth  we  will  rely 
Who  form'd  those  rolling  spheres  on  high. 


He,  who  called  Orion  forth, 

Who  leads  Pleiades, 
Who  gave  the  orbs  their  birth, 

And  each  a  name  and  place ; 
The  God  of  Abra'm,  nature's  Source, 
Whose  empire  is  the  universe. 
6* 


66  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

From  his  high  courts  above, 

He  fills  immensity, 
And  great  and  kind  his  love, 

Immeasurably  free ; 
Our  shield  invincible,  the  Lord, 
Abra'm's  exceeding  great  reward. 


And  we  who  now  believe, 

And  faithful  do  remain, 
That  heritage  receive, 

Which  Abra'm  did  obtain  ; 
And  if  like  him  we  do  confide, 
For  us,  will  Abra'm's  God  provide. 


Than  Canaan's  fertile  plains, 
We  seek  a  happier  clime. 

Where  purer  joy  obtains, 
And  glories  more  sublime  ; 

With  Abra'm  in  that  blest  abode, 

The  city  of  the  living  God. 


Though  still  in  tents  below, 

Sojourners  we  appear, 
Strangers  and  pilgrims  now, 

As  all  our  fathers  were ; 
To  worlds  more  heav'nly  bend  our  way. 
Where  God  resides  in  endless  day. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  67 

THIS  IS  OUR  GOD. 

Isaiah,  25th. 

"  This  is  our  God"  most  high, 
For  whom  we  have  waited  long ; 

He  rules  above  the  sky, 
The  cherub  hosts  among ; 

And  gladly  join'd  in  heart  and  voice, 

In  his  salvation  we  rejoice. 

Him  we  exulting  praise, 

Whose  counsels  are  of  old ; 
Glorious  in  all  his  ways, 

His  wonders  we  behold ; 
Th'  exhaustless  source  of  perfect  bliss, 
The  God  of  truth  and  faithfulness. 

A  people  great  and  strong, 

From  their  defenced  abode, 
With  full  harmonious  song, 

Shall  glorify  our  God. 
The  separating  walls  shall  bow, 
And  distant  tribes  their  Lord  shall  know. 

His  strength  alone  sustains 

The  needy  in  distress, 
Their  refuge  firm  remains, 

When  storms  conflicting  press ; 
His  outspread  shadowing  cloud  is  made, 
In  summer's  sultry  heat  a  shade. 


68  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Where  plays  the  mountain  breeze, 

God  doth  a  feast  prepare, 
Of  wine  upon  the  lees, 

And  things  refined  and  rare ; 
Where  heark'ning  to  the  Almighty's  call, 
Assembled  meet  the  nations  all. 


God  doth  the  veil  remove, 

O'er  all  the  nations  spread  ; 
And  from  the  realms  of  love, 

Doth  light  and  glory  shed ; 
From  clime  to  clime  extends  his  sway, 
And  takes  his  saints'  reproach  away. 

To  worlds  unseen  do  we 

Extend  a  blissful  hope, 
Where  death  and  victory 

Shall  soon  be  swallow'd  up  ; 
Nor  place,  nor  minds,  nor  forms  decay, 
Where  God  shall  wipe  all  tears  away, 


In  that  auspicious  day, 

Exalted  on  his  throne, 
The  ransom'd  all  shall  say, 

"  This  is  our  God  alone ;" 
And  those  who've  waited,  Lord,  for  thee, 
With  joy  shall  thy  salvation  see. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  69 


SABBATH  SCHOOLS. 


Eternal  Sov'reign  of  the  sky, 
Whose  pow'r  alone  creation  rules, 

Thou  great,  thou  glorious,  and  Most  High, 
Assist  us  with  our  Sabbath  Schools. 


Wisdom,  we  ask,  our  flocks  to  lead 
In  paths  illumined  by  thy  throne ; 

Each  trembling  effort,  Lord,  succeed, 
And  all  our  various  labours  own. 


We  claim  no  skill  our  schools  to  bless, 
This  great  prerogative  is  thine ; 

Then  deeply  on  our  minds  impress 
The  knowledge  of  thy  truth  divine. 


Make  us  the  instruments  to  guide 
Unnumber'd  youthful  souls  above ; 

Where  child  and  cherub  side  by  side, 
Chaunt  in  sweet  strains  redeeming  love. 


Spirit  of  love,  shine  round  the  earth, 
Bid  6ires  and  sons  their  triumphs  raise, 

Give  nation  after  nation  birth, 

Till  all  that  breathe  resound  thy  praise. 


70  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


WHAT   IS    LOVE? 

Love  is  a  bright  and  burning  fire, 

That  glows  upon  the  Christian's  soul ; 

Which  lifts  its  elevated  spire, 
Where  everlasting  ages  roll ; 

It  fills  the  realm  of  endless  day, 

With  beams  of  pure  and  spotless  ray. 


Love  is  a  vast  expansive  sea, 

Where  flow  the  swells  of  gospel  grace ; 
Its  bounds  are  only  known  to  thee, 

The  Deity,  that  fills  all  space ; 
And  there  do  circling  pleasures  heave, 
Respondent  as  the  yielding  wave. 

Love  is  the  radiant-rainbow,  seen 
Suspended  in  the  vault  of  heaven ; 

Blending  its  azure,  gold,  and  green, 
Emblem  of  pure  redemption  given  ; 

The  pledge  of  life,  't  is  mercy's  bow, 

Where  all  heav'n's  richer  beauties  glow. 

Love  is  the  grand  ecliptic  way, 

Where  faithful  souls  describe  their  course 
And  circling  round  the  orb  of  day, 

God  is  their  centre  and  their  source ; 
On  beams  of  light,  they  mount  on  high, 
To  shine  in  worlds  above  the  sky. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  71 

Love  forms  the  splendour  of  the  throne, 

The  glory  of  the  courts  above, 
Pure  and  celestial  light  alone, 

'T  is  God  himself,  for  "  God  is  love ;" 
The  Christian's  all,  his  portion  this, 
Heaven 's  his  home,  and  love  his  bliss. 


MY  GREAT  REDEEMER'S  LOVE  TO  ME. 

My  soul,  awake !  and  wake  my  lyre, 
Touched  as  Isaiah's  lips  with  fire ; 
In  grateful,  holy  accents  raise 
A  tribute  to  redeeming  grace. 
May  all  that  perfect  love  of  thine, 
In  all  its  glowing  lustre  shine ; 
Assist  me  with  its  light  to  see 
My  great  Redeemer's  love  to  me. 


This  fading  world  cannot  bestow 
The  bliss  my  soul  was  formed  to  know  ; 
Nor  can  the  things  of  time  and  space 
Give  pleasures  like  redeeming  grace. 
If  Jesus  but  pronounce  me  blest, 
Then  I  enjoy  a  pleasing  rest ; 
My  soul  doth  then  enraptured  see 
My  great  Redeemer's  love  to  me. 


72  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Eternal  Father,  Holy  Sire ! 

Fill  my  whole  soul  with  hallow'd  fire, 

Around  me  be  thy  glories  shed, 

To  warm  my  heart  and  cheer  my  head. 

Let  thy  most  holy  will  be  done, 

Aid  me  to  worship  thee  alone  ; 

To  love  thy  cross,  and  there  to  see 

My  great  Redeemer's  love  to  me. 

Then  let  life's  scenes  glide  swift  away, 
And  bring  that  final,  joyful  day ; 
'Midst  bending  millions  I  will  raise 
Anthems  of  sweet,  unceasing  praise  ; 
In  pure  and  undecaying  bliss, 
Through  endless  years,  in  perfect  peace, 
Where,  in  full  triumph,  I  shall  see 
My  great  Redeemer's  love  to  me. 


GIVE  ME  A  LOT  WITH  THY  PEOPLE. 

Holy  Lord,  I  long  to  be 
Full  of  love  and  purity  ,*- 
Let  me  all  thy  gifts  possess  ,' 
Abra'm's  faith  and  righteousness ; 
Isaac's  pure  and  virtuous  mind, 
Ever  peacefully  inclined ; 
Jacob's  Bethel  may  I  share, 
With  his  prevalence  in  prayer. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  73 

O,  may  I  that  meekness  gain, 
Faithful  Moses  did  obtain  ; 
Pass  with  him  the  sever'd  flood, 
Face  to  face  converse  with  God. 
Wholly  given  up  to  thee, 
Fain  would  I  with  Caleb  be, 
Then  to  move  at  thy  command, 
With  Joshua  to  the  promised  land. 


David's  sacred  lyre  impart, 
Form  me  after  thine  own  heart, 
Waken  Israel's  minstrelsy, 
Let  the  numbers  fall  on  me. 
God  of  all  the  prophets  thou, 
Cast  thy  mantle  o'er  us  now, 
Guide  us  all,  through  thee  forgiven, 
In  Elijah's  car  to  heaven. 

Let  my  blissful  portion  be 
With  those  souls  that  follow  thee  ; 
Help  me  their  reproach  to  bear, 
All  their  glorious  gifts  to  share. 
Make  me  worthy  to  appear 
Where  thy  holy  prophets  are  ; 
With  their  heavenly  graces  blest, 
With  them  share  an  endless  rest. 

Jesus,  Shepherd  of  the  flock, 
Higher  than  ourselves  the  Rock  : 
Mind  of  all  we  would  possess, 
Thine  so  pure,  so  full  of  grace. 
7 


74  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Washed  in  thy  atoning  blood, 
Wholly  sanctified  to  God ; 
Cleansed  from  all  defilement  free, 
Let  us  rise,  O  Lord,  with  thee. 

Soon  we  hope  the  saints  to  meet, 
Peter,  James,  and  John  to  greet ; 
Paul  and  Timothy  beside, 
When  beyond  life's  raging  tide  ; 
All  the  ancient  fathers,  too, 
Who  the  love  of  Jesus  knew ; 
Martyrs,  who  have  sealed  with  blood 
All  the  precious  truths  of  God. 

Soon  as  time's  short  race  is  run, 
Heaven's  high  cliffs  we  '11  shout  upon ; 
Wesley  there,  and  numbers  more, 
Shall  redeeming  love  adore. 
Jesus  shall  with  crowns  adorn, 
Thousands  once  in  forests  born, 
Those  who  mingled  sighs  and  pray'r, 
Shall  in  heav'n  its  glory  share. 

Christians,  are  you  bound  for  bliss, 
From  your  sins  have  you  release  ? 
Are  you  holy,  pure,  and  good, 
Wash'd  in  Jesus'  cleansing  blood  ? 
Fully  pledged  I  am  to  you, 
Your  joys  to  share,  your  crosses  too ; 
And  when  you  to  heaven  repair, 
Let  me  join  your  triumphs  there. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  75 


PREPARATION  FOR  HEAVEN. 

Jesus  !  my  Saviour,  thee  I  claim, 
The  holy  virtues  of  whose  name 

My  sins  shall  far  remove  ; 
Thy  precious  blood,  if  thou  apply, 
Shall  fully  cleanse  and  purify, 

And  fill  my  soul  with  love. 

Thy  word  from  ancient  chaos  brought 
Those  spheres  which,  past  all  human  thought, 

Through  boundless  space  revolve ; 
And  this,  immutably,  shall  stand 
When  stars,  and  orbs,  and  sky,  and  land, 

To  nothing  shall  dissolve. 

Indulge  a  feeble  worm  of  dust, 
On  thy  sure  promises  to  trust, 

Remote  from  every  fear ; 
And  in  the  labour  of  thy  love, 
Assist  me  cheerfully  to  move, 

Till  Jesus  shall  appear. 

Saviour,  delight  in  me,  and  bless 
My  soul  with  thy  pure  holiness, 

Make  all  my  joys  mature ; 
Fully  maintain  within  my  breast, 
Thy  grace,  thy  kingdom,  and  thy  rest, 

Unchano-eablv  secure. 


76  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Then  bring  me  where  I  shall  behold 
Th'  gates  of  pearl,  and  streets  of  gold, 

And  life's  ambrosial  tree ; 
The  crystal  streams,  the  throne  of  God, 
The  white-robed  millions  wash'd  in  blood, 

To  live  eternally. 


THY  WILL  BE  DONE. 

Saviour  !  with  earnest  humble  prayer, 
My  soul  approaches  near  thy  throne ; 

To  all  my  wants  incline  thine  ear, 
And  let  thy  holy  "  will  be  done." 

I  would  from  every  sin  depart, 
By  faith  on  thee  depend  alone ; 

Shed  thy  kind  influence  on  my  heart, 
And  in  me  let  "  thy  will  be  done." 

With  holiness  renew  my  mind, 
O  thou  who  didst  for  all  atone  ; 

Bid  me  complete  redemption  find  — 
Thy  gracious  will  in  me  be  done. 

I  thirst,  I  hunger,  Lord,  for  thee, 
Perfect  the  work  thou  hast  begun  ; 

Thy  promises  confirm  to  me, 

And  let  me  know  thv  will  is  done. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  77 

I  would,  O  Lord,  united  be 

With  thee,  "  and  with  the  Father  one," 
Wholly  inspired  and  loved  by  thee  — 

Not  mine,  but  thy  blest  "  will  be  done." 

Preserve  in  me  this  holy  bliss, 

Long  as  life's  trembling  sands  may  run ; 
The  bound'ries  of  thy  love  increase, 

Till  all  thy  will  on  earth  is  done. 


Then  far  beyond  time's  troubled  sea, 
Guided  the  dangers  all  to  shun ; 

O  may  I  dwell  in  heaven  with  thee, 
Where  nothing  but  thy  will  is  done. 


CREATE  IN  ME  A  CLEAN  HEART. 

Pure  and  Holy  Lamb  of  God, 
Let  my  heart  be  thy  abode ; 
Mercy's  richest  grace  bestow, 
Rule  within  my  bosom  now. 

Cleanse,  O  cleanse  my  soul  from  sin, 
Plant  thy  holy  mind  within ; 
All  thy  gracious  gifts  impart, 
Reign  the  sovereign  of  mv  heart. 
7* 


78  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Let  me  live  an  heir  of  thine, 
In  thy  heavenly  image  shine ; 
All  I  have  I  give  to  thee, 
Now  and  to  eternity. 


Jesus,  from  thy  courts  on  high. 
All  my  daily  wants  supply, 
All  my  gratitude  receive, 
In  mv  best  affections  live. 


Let  my  passing  moments  be 
All  devoted,  Lord,  to  thee ; 
Use  me  in  thy  loved  employ, 
Then  receive  me  to  thy  joy. 


WHOM  HAVE  I  IN  HEAVEX  BUT  THEE. 

Whom  in  the  heavens  have  I  but  thee, 

O  thou  Eternal  Holy  One ! 
And  all  those  glittering  orbs  I  see, 

Are  works  thy  mighty  hands  have  done. 


Before  whom  angels  spread  their  wings, 
To  screen  the  grandeur  from  their  view ; 

My  soul  with  reverence  bows  and  sings, 
To  God,  the  holy,  just  and  true. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  79 

Like  as  the  panting  mountain  roe, 
Thy  presence,  Lord,  I  long  to  see ; 

Of  things  in  heaven,  or  earth  below, 
I  would  surrender  all  for  thee. 


Thou  art  the  object  of  my  hope, 

Strength  of  my  faith,  and  source  of  joy  ; 
When  wilt  thou,  Saviour,  call  me  up, 

To  join  the  ransom'd  hosts  on  high. 

The  love  of  God  !  what  perfect  bliss ! 

When  Jesus  shows  his  smiling  face, 
Not  Eden's  bloom  did  e'er  possess 

Superior  pleasures  to  his  grace. 

My  soul  shall  boast  in  thee,  my  Lord, 
Thou  art  my  fortress,  rock  and  tower ; 

And  on  my  heart  thou  wilt  record 
The  greatness  of  thy  love  and  power. 


HYMN  OF  PRAISE. 

Hail  !  the  supreme  Almighty  God ! 
Whose  works  extend  o'er  earth  abroad ; 
His  wonders  through  creation  shine, 
Full  of  harmonious  design. 


80  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Hail !  to  the  majesty  on  high, 
Whose  providence  our  wants  supply  ; 
Who  bids  the  fruitful  seasons  bear 
Their  rich  abundance  year  by  year. 

Hail !  the  Incarnate  Holy  One, 
Praises  are  due  to  Him  alone, 
Who  on  Mount  Calvary  shed  his  blood, 
To  raise  a  fallen  world  to  God. 


Eternal  Power,  around  me  shine, 
Inspire  this  trembling  soul  of  mine ; 
To  endless  life,  the  earnest  give, 
And  teach  thy  servant  how  to  live. 

While  near  thy  sheltering  throne  I  hide, 
Be  thou  my  sure  defence,  and  guide ; 
And  when  celestial  crowns  are  given, 
Take  my  immortal  soul  to  heaven. 


FULNESS  OF  LOVE. 


Father  of  love,  before  thy  face, 
The  humble  suppliant  knee  we  bow ; 

According  to  thy  glorious  grace, 

Strengthen  our  trembling  spirits  now. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  81 

May  Christ  within  us  ever  dwell. 
Nor  thence  again  his  place  remove  ,* 

In  holiness  may  we  excel, 

Rooted  and  grounded  in  his  love. 


O  that  with  all  thy  people  we 

May  know  the  length  and  depth  of  love, 
To  bathe  in  that  unfathom'd  sea, 

Where  no  unwelcome  billows  move 


Fill  all  our  waiting  souls  with  love, 
And  sanctify  us  through  thy  word ; 

Our  love  to  sin  far  off  remove, 

And  make  us  like  to  thee,  our  Lord. 


Thy  power  unchanged,  doth  still  remain, 
And  as  thy  power  thy  mercies  are ; 

Our  souls  do  thou  with  grace  sustain, 
Till  Jesus  shall  from  heaven  appear. 


LIVING  ON  CHRIST. 

Ye  fearful,  trembling  souls,  arise, 
And  press  to  gain  that  glorious  prize, 
Gird  the  whole  Christian's  armour  on, 
And  live  by  faith  on  Christ  alone. 


62  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

'T  is  faith  in  Jesus'  promised  word, 
Unites  us  to  our  common  Lord  ; 
He  that  believes  shall  be  forgiven, 
And  made  th'  adopted  heir  of  heaven. 


Jesus  hath  opened  by  his  blood, 
A  new  and  living  way  to  God, 
And  now  may  all  with  open  face, 
Come  boldly  to  the  throne  of  grace. 


Jesus,  our  advocate  above, 

Distributes  free  the  gifts  of  love, 

And  grace,  like  streams  that  onward  roll, 

Spreads  heavenly  life  from  pole  to  pole. 


The  barren  wastes  and  deserts  bloom, 
The  heaths  do  fruitful  fields  become, 
And  praise  from  distant  lands  arise, 
In  clouds  of  incense  to  the  skies. 


See  kindred  souls  of  different  tongues, 
Unite  their  worship  and  their  songs ; 
While  millions  round  the  cross  repair, 
Bringing  their  gifts  and  homage  there. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  83 


THE  CROSS,  REDEMPTION,  GLORY. 

Captives  and  exiles  here  on  earth, 
Exposed  to  evils  from  our  birth 

And  death's  dark  gloomy  shade  : 
Like  transient  flowers  with  pencillings  gay 
We  bloom  and  wither  in  a  day 

Then  in  the  dust  are  laid. 


To  climes  less  rude  we  were  design'd, 
More  genial  both  to  life  and  mind ; 

Far  from  time's  ruthless  hand 
This,  this  is  but  a  life  of  hope, 
And  only  as  from  Pisgah's  top, 

We  see  the  promised  land. 

O'er  Judah's  crimson'd  mountain  lies 
The  pathway  leading  to  the  skies? 

Illumined  from  the  throne  ,• 
There  beams. inexplicable  love, 
Such  as  the  Deity  could  move, 

And  Deity  alone. 


Celestial  light  breaks  o'er  the  world, 

And  sin's  dark  clouds  are  downward  hurl'd 

To  final  destiny  ; 
Mount  Calvary  is  all  in  flame, 
And  gloriously  th'  eternal  name 

Is  graven  on  the  tree. 


84  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

'T  is  love,  magnificently  great ! 
'T  is  glory,  of  eternal  weight ! 

'T  is  God  descending  there  ! 
And  O  !  how  far  surpassing  thought, 
Within  that  name  so  strangely  wrought, 

I  see  my  own  appear. 

0  glorious,  all-absorbing  sight, 

Earth's  bliss  supreme,  heaven's  full  delight, 

Mysterious  act  divine ; 
So  frail,  so  marr'd,  yet  so  beloved, 

1  bow  with  holy  reverence  moved, 

O'erwhelm'd  with  the  design. 

Redemption,  O !  unfathom'd  bliss, 
My  soul  o'erflows  with  love  of  this ; 

How  sweet  its  pleasures  are  ! 
When  shall  I  all  its  charms  possess, 
Its  pure  and  spotless  holiness, 

In  rich  luxuriance  share  ? 

Resplendent  from  th'  eternal  sphere, 
The  op'ning  radiant  heavens  appear, 

In  beautiful  array : 
And  from  those  peaceful  courts  above, 
Perpetual  messages  of  love 

The  angel  bands  convey. 

Millions  within  those  jasper  bounds, 
Adorn'd  with  beauteous  starry  crowns, 
Of  matchless  brilliancy, 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  85 

Through  these  dark,  dreary  storms  of  life, 
In  bleeding  woes,  and  painful  strife, 
Endured  the  cross  like  me. 


Tell  me,  O  Lord,  shall  heaven  be  mine? 
'Midst  such  illustrious  forms  to  shine, 

Hast  thou  a  place  for  me  ? 
With  these  bright  circling  orbs  to  move 
In  grandeur  round  the  throne  of  love 

To  all  eternity? 


REMEMBER   ME. 

Thou  great  Eternal,  kind  and  good, 
Whose  wond'rous  works  I  see ; 

From  thy  supremely  high  abode, 
O  Lord,  remember  me. 

O  thou  who  didst  our  flesh  assume, 

Who  died  on  Calvary  : 
When  in  thy  kingdom  thou  shalt  come 

Then,  Lord,  remember  me. 

When  in  thy  beauteous  courts  I  tread, 
To  bow  the  suppliant  knee ; 

O  that  the  Church's  glorious  Head 
Would  then  remember  me. 

8 


86  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

There,  with  thy  people  while  I  stay, 
T'  adore  and  worship  thee, 

How  sweet  the  moments  pass  away, 
If  thou  remember  me  ! 


Or  when  sequester'd  I  shall  bend, 
To  offer  prayer  to  thee  ,• 

In  glorious  majesty  descend, 
And  then  remember  me. 


To  thee  shall  all  my  days  be  given, 

Whate'er  their  number  be  ; 
And  these  shall  form  a  type  of  heaven, 

If  thou  remember  me. 


Preserve,  O  Lord,  our  children  dear, 

From  all  corruption  free  ; 
And  bring  them  round  thy  throne  t'  appear, 

And  then  remember  me. 


And  when  to  pass  the  lonely  vale 
The  curfew  tolls  for  me  ; 

No  terrors  shall  my  heart  assail, 
Remember'd,  Lord,  bv  thee. 


And  when  the  term  of  life  shall  close, 
And  death  shall  set  me  free ; 

Then,  with  an  heavenly,  calm  repose, 
O  Lord,  remember  me. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  87 


LOOKING  FOR  HEAVEN. 

Rejoice,  ye  worthies,  who,  allured 
To  happier  worlds,  have  long  endured 

Life's  complicated  ills  ; 
With  cheerful,  persevering  hope, 
To  those  blest  scenes  be  looking  up, 

Which  God  with  glory  fills. 

Where  long  the  ancient  courts  have  stood, 
The  city  of  the  living  God, 

Onward  let  us  repair, 
The  grandeur  of  those  realms  to  see, 
Their  glories,  and  their  purity, 

With  all  heaven's  hosts  to  share. 


Here,  thorns  and  briars  throng  the  way, 
And  fearful  clouds  obscure  the  day, 

And  dangers  lurk  abroad  ; 
'T  is  not  our  permanent  abode, 
'T  is  but  a  lodge,  whence  is  the  road 

Leading  us  home  to  God. 

As  all  our  great  forefathers  were, 
So  we,  their  sons,  sojourners  are, 

In  quest  of  joys  on  high  ; 
With  all  the  heirs  of  promise,  blest, 
As  partners  of  that  future  rest, 

Reserved  above  the  sky. 


88  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Then  with  a  calm  and  heavenly  hope, 
Together  let  us  still  look  up, 

The  Lord  will  surely  come ; 
And  bid  our  ransom'd  spirits  rise, 
Above  the  starry  vaulted  skies, 

To  our  eternal  home. 

All  hail !  that  happy  blissful  day, 
When  God  shall  call  from  earth  away, 

To  range  the  landscapes  o'er ; 
To  lay  our  trophies  at  his  feet, 
And  all  his  wond'rous  love  repeat, 

While  endless  years  endure. 


THE  SERVANT  LIKE  HIS  MASTER. 

O  for  that  mild  pacific  mind, 
Jesus  my  master  did  possess, 

Patient,  compassionate,  and  kind, 
And  full  of  truth  and  holiness. 

A  soul  enrich'd  with  every  grace, 
With  every  virtuous,  pure  design  ; 

Free,  as  the  ample  bounds  of  space, 
And  tranquil  as  the  spheres  that  shine, 

Inspired  with  goodness  from  above, 
To  ornament  the  Christian  name  j 

My  bosom,  warm'd  with  ardent  love, 
Shall  be  in  every  place  the  same, 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  89 

Be  this  my  uniform  desire, 

Submissive  to  thy  faithful  word ; 

Then  shall  I  happily  acquire 
A  true  resemblance  to  my  Lord. 


DESIRING  THE  LOVE  OF  GOD. 

Jesus,  my  Lord,  in  whom  alone 

The  unseen  Deity  resides ; 
To  me  thy  gift  of  love  make  known, 

O  thou  whose  power  o'er  all  presides. 

Humbly  I  would  approach  thy  throne, 
With  just  conceptions  of  thy  grace ; 

O  may  my  state  through  sin  be  shown, 
And  then  the  glories  of  thy  face. 

The  darkness  of  my  mind  illume, 
Chase  every  lingering  cloud  away ; 

And  let  my  soul  throughout  become 
Bright  as  the  summer's  beam  of  day 

My  vast  pollutions  all  remove, 
Leave  no  one  lurking  sin  behind ; 

Then  introduce  redeeming  love, 
To  cleanse  and  beautify  my  mind. 


90  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

O  make  my  soul  thy  dwelling  place, 
Thy  blest,  unchangeable  abode, 

Spread  there  such  perfectness  of  grace 
As  shall  become  the  house  of  God. 


More  and  more  holy  may  I  be, 
In  joy,  and  grief  alike  unmoved ; 

My  bliss  be  all  derived  from  thee, 
By  thee  redeem'd,  by  thee  beloved. 

Nature  may  sink,  and  years  shall  fail, 
And  orbs  wax  old,  and  time  decay ; 

But  thy  pure  love  shall  still  prevail, 

When  spheres  and  time  are  swept  away. 

Could  heaven's  immense  revolving  host, 
Bow  in  submission  to  my  call  ; 

For  Jesus'  love  to  sinners  lost, 
I  freely  would  surrender  all. 


HYMN  OF  PRAISE. 

Sing,  O  my  soul,  in  sweetest  lay, 
The  Saviour's  hallow'd  name ; 

Bring  thy  best  offering  day  by  day, 
His  glories  to  proclaim. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  91 

His  praises  shall  my  bosom  charm, 

And  every  number  move ; 
And  grace  shall  every  passion  warm, 

While  blest  with  Jesus'  love. 


Mortals,  revere  His  holy  name, 
Your  sweetest  notes  prepare  ; 

May  sacred  fire  your  hearts  inflame, 
His  goodness  to  declare. 


Come  all  ye  "  first-born  sons  of  God," 
Your  loudest  anthems  raise  ; 

Bear  your  Redeemer's  fame  abroad, 
And  give  him  constant  praise. 

Sing,  ye  redeem'd,  above  the  sky, 
Ye  "just  made  perfect,"  sing  ; 

Lift  your  triumphant  voices  high, 
And  endless  tribute  bring. 

Cherub  and  cherubim  repeat 
His  greatness  in  your  song ; 

Adore  and  worship  at  his  feet, 
With  all  the  heavenly  throng. 

Far  in  those  realms  of  radiant  light, 

Eternal  praise  be  given  ; 
And  ransom'd  millions,  with  delight, 

Shall  sing  his  name  in  heaven. 


92  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


FOR  FULL  SALVATION. 

O  thou  great  Eternal  Saviour, 
Deign  to  bring  salvation  near  ; 

Give  to  every  soul  thy  favour, 
Bid  thy  kingdom  now  appear ; 

Kind  Redeemer, 
Let  us  all  thy  image  bear. 


Jesus,  gentle  Shepherd,  lead  us, 
Guide  us  through  this  vale  below, 

On  the  richest  pasture  feed  us, 
May  we  all  thy  goodness  know ; 

Boundless  goodness 
To  the  chief  of  sinners  show. 


Now  diffuse  thy  Holy  Spirit, 

Sanctify  us  in  thy  name, 
With  thy  saints  may  we  inherit 

Full  redemption  through  the  Lamb ; 
And  his  presence 
Shall  our  souls  with  love  inflame. 


With  the  ways  of  God  delighted, 
Sing  we  in  the  sweetest  lays  ; 

In  the  bonds  of  love  united, 

Cheerfully  we  '11  spend  our  days, 

With  our  Saviour, 
Fill'd  with  love,  and  lost  in  praise. 


„h- 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  93 

O  !  thou  Source  of  endless  glory, 
Shine  with  slendour  from  on  high ; 

Then  our  happy  souls  shall  love  thee, 
Friend  of  sinners  ever  nigh ; 
From  thy  kingdom 
All  our  daily  wants  supply. 

O !  what  lovely  scenes  await  us, 

Climes  the  cherubim  explore ; 
Bliss  most  pure  prepared  by  Jesus,- 

Where  the  righteous  sigh  no  more ; 
O  how  happy 

Those  who  gain  that  heavenly  shore. 


FOR  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT. 

Saviour  of  all,  and  God  of  power, 
The  spirit  of  thy  grace  impart ; 

The  glorious,  penticostal  shower 
Freely  bestow  on  every  heart ; 

With  glowing  love  our  souls  inspire, 

And  grant  the  ancient  tongues  of  fire. 

To  such  the  heavenly  kingdom  give, 
Of  peace,  and  joy,  and  righteousness ; 

Bid  us  thy  goodness  all  receive, 
The  fulness  of  thy  holiness  ; 

Free  conquest  o'er  the  mind  obtain, 

And  there  in  all  thy  pleasure  reign. 


94  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISE*. 

To  all  on  earth  thy  love  extend, 

Shine  as  the  bright  and  morning  star ; 

Thy  word  to  every  nation  send, 

And  bring  thy  "  ransom'd  sons  from  far ;' 

Thy  scatter'd  Israel  gather  home, 

And  bid  the  final  triumph  come. 


OUR  FUTURE  REST. 

Here,  we  have  no  abiding  place, 

A  better  country  we  desire ; 
Where  the  pure  beams  of  heavenly  grace, 

Each  blissful  spirit  doth  inspire. 

Few  are  the  pleasures  found  on  earth, 
And  frail  and  transient  is  their  day ; 

The  op'ning  morn  may  give  them  birth, 
At  noon  they  are  dissolved  away. 

"  Strangers  and  pilgrims"  we  remain, 
As  all  our  predecessors  were ; 

Life's  various  toils  with  them  sustain, 
That  we  may  in  their  triumphs  share. 

Earth  and  its  joys  we  count  but  loss. 
The  knowledge  of  our  Lord  to  gain ; 

And  patiently  endure  the  cross, 

That  brighter  worlds  we  may  obtain. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  95 

Dead  to  the  things  of  time,  we  live, 

And  glory  in  Christ  crucified  ; 
Our  lives  a  holy  pledge  we  give 

"  To  Him  who  loved  us  and  hath  died." 

In  heaven,  our  conversation  is, 

Whence  look  we  for  the  Lord  to  come ; 

Our  bodies  changed,  shall  then,  like  his, 
A  far  more  glorious  mould  assume. 

Redeeming  love  !  our  motto  this, 

Salvation,  our  inspiring  flame ; 
Our  glory  and  perpetual  bliss, 

Redemption  through  the  Saviour's  name. 

We  long  for  heaven,  where  all  the  blest 
The  grandeur  of  that  kingdom  share ; 

And  labour  to  obtain  that  rest 

Where  all  our  great  forefathers  are. 


THE  SAVIOUR'S  LOVE  TO  ALL. 

Jesus  !  thy  holy  name 

Hath  been  our  dwelling-place, 
Thy  years  remain  the  same, 

Thy  throne,  the  throne  of  grace; 
Thy  mercies  unto  all  are  free, 
He  died  for  all  who  died  for  me. 


96  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

So  mighty  was  his  love, 
While  enemies  we  were ; 

He  left  the  courts  above, 
A  thorny  crown  to  wear ; 

And  on  the  cross,  on  Calvary, 

He  died  for  all  who  died  for  me. 


The  Prince  of  life  hath  died, 
For  us  he  shed  his  blood : 

His  feet,  and  hands,  and  side, 
Pour'd  an  atoning  flood ; 

His  love,  it  was  so  fall  and  free, 

He  died  for  all  who  died  for  me. 


The  high  and  Holy  One, 
Himself  in  offering  gave, 

His  well-beloved  Son, 
A  ruin'd  world  to  save ; 

And  on  the  clift  of  Calvary, 

He  died  for  all  who  died  for  me. 


Rich  "  pardon  bought  with  blood," 
His  open'd  wounds  convey ; 

And  in  the  crimson'd  flood, 
Our  sins  are  wash'd  away ; 

Forgiveness  unto  all  is  free, 

He  died  for  all  who  died  for  me. 


Our  great  High  Priest  alone 
Our  souls  can  purify  ; 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  97 

And  from  the  eternal  throne, 

Can  perfect  love  supply ; 
Can  cleanse  from  all  pollution  free, 
And  died  for  all  mankind  and  me. 


His  pure,  unbounded  love, 
To  every  soul  is  given  ; 

And  from  the  courts  above, 
He  calls  the  world  to  heaven  j 

His  love  to  all  mankind  is  free, 

And  all  may  his  salvation  see. 


HYMN  OF  PRAISE. 

Hail  !  to  the  great  Eternal  Power, 

Founder  of  earth  and  sky ; 
Zion's  defence  we  will  adore, 

He  doth  our  wants  supply. 

Jehovah's  name,  all  tribes  shall  sing, 

Scatter'd  o'er  earth  abroad  ; 
And  trembling  babes  and  sires  shall  bring 

Their  offerings  to  the  Lord. 


Hosannas  to  the  Son  of  God, 
Enraptured  hosts  shall  raise ; 

And  thousands  wash'd  in  Jesus'  blood, 
Shall  hymn  his  glorious  praise. 
9 


98  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Salvation  to  the  Lord  above, 
Whose  power  adorns  all  space ; 

Let  all  who  feel  his  mighty  love, 
Adore  his  boundless  grace. 


How  wonderful  his  works  have  been, 
His  wisdom  and  his  skill ; 

And  in  "  things  visible,"  are  seen 
The  counsels  of  his  will. 


Those  hosts  of  glittering  spheres  on  high, 

Were  moulded  by  his  hand  ; 
The  beams  which  gild  the  morning  sky 

Brighten  at  his  command. 


My  trembling  soul,  be  this  thy  Lord, 

Glorious  is  he  alone ; 
Love  him,  who  saved  thee  by  his  word, 

The  high  and  Holy  One. 

Let  ceaseless  praises  give  employ 
To  earth's  unnumber'd  tongues  ; 

While  heaven  repeats  the  pleasing  joy, 
In  its  eternal  songs. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  99 


WORSHIP. 

In  submission,  Lord,  to  thee, 
Lo !  I  humbly  bow  my  knee ; 
Lend  me  now  thy  gracious  ear, 
Kindly  hearken  to  my  prayer. 

In  thy  courts  while  I  remain, 
Let  me  free  acceptance  gain ; 
Advocate,  O  Lord,  my  claim, 
Plead  the  merit  of  thy  name. 

Jesus,  thou  thy  gifts  prepare, 
Then  within  the  veil  appear  ; 
O'er  the  mercy-seat  of  God 
Pour  thy  sacrificial  blood. 

Full  atonement  make  for  me, 
From  all  sin  absolve  me  free ; 
Eden's  bowers  to  me  restore, 
Whence  I  shall  depart  no  more. 

Heav'nly-minded  may  I  be, 
Holding  intercourse  with  thee ; 
With  thy  purity  imprest, 
With  thy  gracious  image  blest. 

Can  I  ask  a  richer  store, 
Than  to  love  thee  more  and  more ; 
Thee  alone  t'  adore  and  bless, 
Full  of  goodness,  full  of  peace  ? 


100  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


TO  THE  TRINITY. 

Father,  thou,  whose  wond'rous  might, 

Form'd  this  wide  creation  ; 
Who  once  brought  from  ancient  night, 

Heav'n's  best  radiation  ; 
With  the  morning  stars,  would  we 

Chant  our  hymns  before  thee, 
At  thine  altar  bow  the  knee, 

Worship  and  adore  thee. 


Jesus,  hallow'd  be  thy  name, 

Holy  Prince  and  Saviour ; 
Thou,  immutably  the  same, 

Love  thee,  we  will  ever. 
Bless  us  with  redeeming  grace, 

Form  in  us  thy  spirit ; 
Bring  us  to  behold  thy  face, 

Thy  glory  to  inherit 


Holy  Spirit,  from  on  high, 

Spread  o'er  us  thy  pinion  ; 
Sin  and  all  its  powers  destroy, 

Prostrate  its  dominion. 
Cleansed  and  holy  may  we  live, 

Sanctified  before  thee  ; 
And  from  our  full  souls  receive 

Ceaseless  hymns  of  glory. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  101 

Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost, 

Aid  us  to  adore  thee ; 
Then,  with  all  the  heavenly  host, 

Sing,  we  will,  before  thee, 
Honour,  praise,  and  power,  be 

Now  and  ever  given  ; 
To  the  Holy  Trinity, 

In  both  earth  and  heaven. 


DEVOTIONAL. 

Jesus,  let  me  ever  be 
Dedicated  all  to  thee  ; 
With  thy  gracious  Spirit  blest, 
Earnest  of  a  future  rest. 

Make  me  truly  good  and  kind, 
FilPd  with  all  my  Saviour's  mind  ,* 
Free  from  all  the  stains  of  sin, 
Wholly  purified  within. 

Place  my  whole  affections  where 
Jruth  and  holiness  appear  ; 
With  an  humble,  cheerful  hope 
Bid  me  still  to  thee  look  up. 

Faithful  Shepherd,  let  me  be 
Constantly  supplied  by  thee ; 
Daily,  as  my  wants  demand, 
Spread  to  me  thy  bounteous  hand. 
9* 


102  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Near  thy  open'd,  bleeding  side, 
Let  my  peaceful  soul  abide ; 
Never  from  thy  cross  remove, 
Full  of  my  Redeemer's  love. 


Happy,  if  I  can  enjoy 
Love,  unmingled  with  alloy ; 
From  corruption  ever  free, 
Let  me  live  and  die  to  thee. 


DESIRING  ACCESS  TO  GOD. 

O  thou  indulgent  Lord, 

Supreme  in  holiness ; 
The  only  true  incarnate  Word, 

Thy  praying  people  bless. 

Give  me  access  to  thee, 
Admission  to  thy  throne  ; 

My  life,  my  powers,  O  let  them  be 
Engaged  to  thee  alone. 


My  passions  warm'd  with  love, 

O  how  I  long  to  feel, 
The  spirit's  peaceful  witness  prove, 

The  covenant  and  seal. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  103 

I  would  be  wholly  thine, 

Thy  utmost  mercy  know  ; 
My  all  into  thy  care  resign, 

While  dwelling  here  below. 


Grant  me  my  full  desire, 

The  power,  O  Lord,  is  thine ; 

My  soul  and  every  thought  inspire, 
And  every  power  refine. 

Thou  only  can'st  supply 

A  rich  and  full  reward ; 
Then  with  thy  servant's  prayer  comply, 

According  to  thy  word. 

Thy  promises  I  claim, 

Thy  mercy,  love,  and  power ; 
The  healing  virtue  of  thy  name, 

To  save  me  evermore. 


Thy  faithful  word  is  sure, 

On  which  I  still  depend ; 
It  shall  my  bliss  through  life  secure, 

And  a;uide  me  to  the  end. 


Thy  goodness  shall  employ 
My  last  and  latest  years, 

Till  raised  to  my  Redeemer's  joy, 
Beyond  tMs  vale  of  tears. 


104  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Where  crowns  of  life  are  given, 
And  all  thy  will  is  done  ; 

O  bring  me  with  thy  saints  to  heaven, 
Thou  gracious  Holy  One. 


WHAT  IS   RELIGION? 

Religion  is  a  power  divine, 
A  sacred  unction  from  above ; 

Th'  eternal  light,  on  earth  to  shine, 
Radiant  with  beams  of  truth  and  love. 

Religion  is  abundant  grace, 
And  holiness  to  mortals  given, 

Redemption  to  the  mortal  race, 

Eternal  life,  sent  down  from  heaven. 

Religion  is  a  virtue  pure, 

And  cheerful,  generous  and  kind, 
Which  shall  from  age  to  age  endure, 

An  ornament  to  grace  the  mind. 

Religion  is  a  bright  display 

Of  things  most  lovely,  just,  and  true ; 
A  light  to  our  benighted  way, 

Pointing  to  happier  worlds  in  view. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  105 

Religion  is  the  purest  stream 

Of  love  to  God  and  all  mankind, 
And  where  its  crystal  currents  teem, 

Superior  happiness  we  find. 


Religion  is  humility, 

The  loveliest  habit  of  the  mind  ,* 
'Tis  faith,  and  hope,  and  charity, 

And  gracious  fruit  of  every  kind. 


Religion  patiently  endures 

With  all  life's  griefs  and  ills  extreme, 
And  gently  by  the  cross  allures, 

To  fairer  prospects,  more  supreme. 


Religion  sheds  consoling  tears 

O'er  human  woe,  and  deep  distress, 

And  comforts  in  abundance  bears 
To  widows,  and  the  fatherless. 


Religion  sheds  abundant  peace, 
In  rich  profusion  o'er  the  soul ; 

And  all  discordant  passions  cease, 
And  pure  delight  pervades  the  whole. 

Religion  is  the  throne  of  God, 

Around  which  angels  hymn  their  praise, 
Which  spreads  its  beauties  all  abroad, 

Filling  the  ample  bounds  of  space. 


106  DEVOTIONAL    EXElluiSES. 

Religion  is  immortal  love, 

The  joy  of  ransorn'd  souls  in  heaven ; 
Its  pleasures  fill  the  courts  above, 

Where  everlasting  life  is  given. 


REMEMBER    ME. 

Jesus,  permit  a  feeble  worm 

The  visions  of  thy  face  to  see ; 
And,  while  in  life's  conflicting  storms, 
Remember  me. 


Let  me  thy  gracious  image  bear, 

Purge  me  from  all  pollution  free  ; 
With  those  who  most  thy  favour  share, 
Remember  me. 


Whate'er  will  form  a  holy  mind, 

Goodness,  and  love,  and  purity, 
With  all  thou  can'st  bestow  most  kind, 
Remember  me. 

In  secret  prayer,  whene'er  I  bow, 

In  presence  of  the  Deity, 
How  happy  is  the  place,  if  thou 
Remember  me ! 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  107 

Or,  when  within  thy  courts  I  tread, 

To  sing  thy  praise,  or  bow  my  knee  ; 
How  glorious  if  the  church's  Head 
Remember  me. 


When  press'd  by  languishing  disease, 

O  may  I  lean  my  soul  on  thee  ; 
Most  joyful  if  my  Lord  will  please 
Remember  me. 


Or  if  declining  to  the  tomb, 

From  sorrow  struggling  to  be  free ; 
When  in  thy  kingdom  thou  shalt  come, 
Remember  me. 


THE  MAJESTY  OF  GOD. 

Hail  !  David's  powerful  Lord, 
The  great,  the  good,  the  high  ; 

His  wond'rous  works  are  spread  abroad 
Through  earth,  and  sea,  and  sky. 

"  Lo  !  on  the  heavens  he  rides," 

In  glorious  majesty, 
And  he  omnipotently  guides 

Those  numerous  spheres  we  see. 


108  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


Jehovah,  glorious  thou, 

The  invisible  I  AM ; 
Thy  gracious  love  to  sinners  show, 

The  glory  of  thy  name. 


Redeeming  love  is  thine, 

Worthy  indeed  of  God  ; 
And  thou  hast  caused  this  love  to  shine 

On  fallen  man's  abode. 

Far,  far  my  guilt  remove, 

Through  Jesus  cruciried ; 
And  bid  me  in  redeeming  love, 

Stand  ever  justified. 

My  inbred  sin  expel, 

Its  last  remains  destroy  ; 
And  in  my  bosom  cause  to  dwell 

An  unmolested  joy. 


Rule,  thou,  Jeshurun's  God! 

As  sovereign  of  my  love ; 
And  make  my  heart  thine  own  abode, 

Thence  never  to  remove. 


Be  thou  my  sure  defence, 
My  hope  and  hiding  place ; 

Aid  me  to  trust  thy  providence, 
And  never-failing  grace. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  109 

My  flesh  indeed  is  weak, 

And  passing  great  the  boon ; 
Yet  if  Infinity  shall  speak, 

The  work  it  shall  be  done. 


Most  fully  I  believe 

All  power  belongs  to  thee ; 
I  shall  thy  promised  grace, 

Thy  full  salvation  see. 

O  be  my  guardian  still, 
In  all  my  paths  attend, 

Assist  me  to  obey  thy  will, 
And  keep  me  to  the  end. 


HAPPY  IS  SUCH  A  PEOPLE. 

Eternal  Source  of  heavenly  day, 
Chase  the  clouds  of  night  away ; 
Sun  of  righteousness  arise, 
Gloriously  illume  our  skies. 

Thou  our  Shepherd  ever  be, 
Then  like  flocks  we'll  follow  thee ; 
Each  thy  fostering  care  to  prove, 
And  thy  kind  paternal  love. 
10 


110  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Where  our  scatter'd  tents  are  spread, 
Blessings  in  profusion  shed  ; 
O'er  each  verdant  hill  and  plain, 
Breathe,  O  breathe,  thy  peace  again. 

Make  thy  people  truly  blest, 
Give  to  each  a  place  of  rest ; 
Fruitful  lands  for  all  prepare, 
Kindly  fold  and  feed  them  there. 


Make  the  vernal  seasons  bloom, 
Lovely  may  the  vales  become  ; 
Zion's  fertile  soil  prepare, 
Fruit  luxuriantly  to  bear. 

Cheer'd  with  heaven's  descending  dew, 
Gracefully  our  earth  renew ; 
Under  fair  and  happier  skies, 
Bid  more  beauteous  landscapes  rise. 


Where  the  sweet  and  fragrant  breeze, 
Waves  the  dappled  fields  and  trees ; 
Where  the  noon-tide's  golden  beam, 
Glimmers  in  the  crystal  stream. 


There  thy  faithful  people  lead, 
O'er  the  gay  and  flowery  mead ; 
Or  beneath  the  ambrosial  shade, 
In  recumbent  circles  spread. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  Ill 

Eden's  peaceful  bowers  restore, 
Thence  may  we  depart  no  more ; 
Guard  the  alluring  paths  of  ill, 
Wholly  sanctify  our  will. 


Hallow  every  fond  desire, 
Every  blissful  hope  inspire ; 
Heavenward  ev'ry  bosom  move, 
Fill'd  with  all  the  charms  of  love. 


IN   AFFLICTION, 

Lord,  dost  thou  thy  servant  see 
Bending  with  infirmity ; 
Feeble,  faint,  with  pain  opprest, 
Looking  up  to  thee  for  rest  1 


If  that  I  am  truly  thine, 
Bid  me  on  thy  breast  recline ; 
Sweet  repose  for  me  prepare, 
Give  me  consolation  there. 


Grant  to  me  a  holy  mind, 
Pure  in  principle,  and  kind  ; 
Gently  o'er  my  spirit  move, 
Fill  me  with  thy  special  love. 


112  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Saviour,  thou  art  mighty  still, 
Can  I  ask  beyond  thy  will  ? 
Kindly  say,  "  there  shall  be  given 
Peace  on  earth,  and  crowns  in  heaven." 


Boundless  praise  to  thee  is  due, 
OfFer'd  every  morning  new  ; 
This  alone  shall  spend  my  days, 
Ardent,  ceaseless,  constant  praise. 


AM  I  A  HOLY  CHRISTIAN? 

Am  I  a  holy  Christian,  Lord, 
According  to  thy  faithful  word  ? 
Have  all  my  thoughts,  and  acts,  and  ways, 
Combined  to  celebrate  thy  praise  ? 

Truly  enlighten'd  have  I  been, 
Deeply  convinced  of  guilt  and  sin  ? 
Born  of  the  Spirit  from  above, 
And  constantly  supplied  with  love  ? 

Has  grace  alone  disposed  my  heart 
Freely  with  all  its  sins  to  part  1 
And  has  that  holiness  been  given, 
Which  moulds  and  fits  the  soul  for  heaven  ? 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  113 

Have  I  received,  each  passing  hour, 
The  spirit's  witness,  gills,  and  power? 
In  my  best  thoughts  have  truth  and  grace, 
Obtain'd  the  most  distinguish'd  place  1 


Holy  have  my  affections  been, 
My  motives  pure,  my  conscience  clean  ? 
Have  all  my  powers  in  patient  hope 
Without  reserve  been  given  up  ? 


Have  I  esteem'd  this  world  as  dross, 
And  gloried  in  my  Saviour's  cross  1 
With  Christ  have  I  been  satisfied, 
To  triumph,  or  be  crucified  ? 


On  all  occasions  do  I  feel 
My  soul  to  burn  with  ardent  zeal  ; 
Myself  a  faithful  servant  prove, 
By  true  benevolence  and  love  ? 

Have  I  my  earliest  love  relain'd, 
And  other  useful  virtues  gain'd  ; 
Making  accession  to  the  store, 
In  grace  abounding  more  and  more  ? 

True  humbleness  do  I  possess, 
Simplicity  and  gentleness  ; 
A  cheerful,  unoffending  friend, 
Peaceful,  affectionate,  and  kind  ? 
10* 


114  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

In  duteous  works  do  1  abound, 
Within  thy  vineyard  am  I  found  ; 
No  murmuring  thought,  or  wish  express 
That  joys  were  more  or  sorrows  less  ? 


Calm  and  contented  can  I  say 
The  times  and  seasons  glide  away ; 
Nor  scenes,  nor  circumstance,  nor  place, 
Disturb  my  peace,  or  mar  my  grace  ? 

Ah  !  Lord,  my  feebleness  I  own, 

I  nothing  am  when  left  alone  ; 

But  thou  can'st  perfect  strength  impart, 

To  change  and  renovate  my  heart. 

O  chase  the  darkness  from  my  mind, 
And  eye-sight  furnish  to  the  blind  ; 
Feed  thou  the  poor  and  thirsty  soul, 
And  make  the  sick  and  dying  whole. 

From  thee,  O  Lord,  may  1  receive, 
Blessings  which  thou  alone  can'st  give  ; 
Love,  joy,  and  peace,  thou  wilt  supply, 
In  daily  portions  from  on  high. 


In  thee  all  holiness  is  found, 
And  endless  life,  and  peace  abound ; 
With  bliss  so  pure,  so  freely  given, 
That  earth  itself  resembles  heaven. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  115 

Grace  makes  the  barren  deserts  bloom, 
The  heath  a  fertile  land  become  ; 
And  heavenly  currents  as  they  glide, 
Spread  flowers  and  fruit  from  side  to  side. 

O  that  my  heart  were  full  of  grace, 
Of  truth,  and  power,  and  righteousness  ; 
This,  only  this,  on  me  bestow, 
Long  as  I  range  this  vale  below. 


And  when  frail  nature  shall  decay, 
And  life's  last  sighs  are  hush'd  away ; 
With  this  my  fond  request  comply, 
Let  me  a  holy  Christian  die. 

This  is  alone  my  glorious  hope, 
My  comfort  and  sustaining  prop ; 
To  gain  at  last  that  blissful  shore, 
Where  happy  spirits  part  no  more. 


DIVINE   INTERCOURSE 

Happy  the  faithful  souls  that  live 
In  constant  intercourse  with  heaven  ; 

Who  from  the  Father's  grace  receive 
The  fulness  of  the  spirit  given. 


I 

116  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

I 


Delightful  commerce,  sweet  employ, 

Duty  most  sacred  and  divine ; 
The  Christian  tastes  peculiar  joy, 

When  heavenly  mercies  round  him  shine. 


Happy  the  consecrated  place, 

Where  life  immortal  beams  around  ; 

How  high  the  raptures,  full  the  grace, 
Where  holy  fellowship  is  found. 


'T  is  here  the  thirsty  souls  are  fill'd, 
The  humble,  peaceful  mourners  blest ; 

The  weak  sustain'd,  the  wounded  heal'd, 
And  all  the  wearied  find  a  rest. 


Ten  thousand  gifts  of  richest  love, 
By  God  himself  are  freely  given : 

And  mortals,  from  the  courts  above, 
Are  graciously  prepared  for  heaven. 


THE  HOUSE  OF  GOD. 

I  love  thy  tabernacle,  Lord, 
I  love  to  meet  thy  people  there  ; 

To  hear  and  feel  thy  faithful  word, 
And  mingle  holy  praise  and  prayer. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  117 

I  love  to  hear  the  voice  of  praise, 
When  Zion  strikes  her  tuneful  lyre ; 

The  soul-inspiring,  rapturous  lays, 
And  soft,  melodious,  sounding  choir. 

How  sweet  the  presence  of  the  Lord, 
As  heavenly  beams  of  light  descend ; 

When  power  divine  attends  the  word, 
And  saints  in  holy  reverence  bend. 

I  love  the  feeling,  melting  shower, 

So  gently  coming  from  above ; 
The  cloud  of  mercy  passing  o'er, 

Fresh  from  the  crystal  fount  of  love. 


My  Father's  residence  how  fair, 

In  which  his  faithful  sons  are  found ; 

The  chamber  of  his  presence,  where 
The  richest  comforts  do  abound. 


Here  the  aggrieved  a  solace  find, 
The  poor  are  blest,  the  hungry  fed  ; 

The  pleasures  heaven  for  man  design'd, 
Are  all  in  rich  profusion  spread. 

Happy  those  faithful  souls  shall  be, 

Who,  numbering  in  thy  courts  their  days, 

Do,  in  celestial  prospect,  see 

Glories  on  which  th'  archangels  gaze 


118  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

My  soul  doth  ardently  desire 

The  beauty  of  the  Lord  to  view  ; 

Within  his  temple  to  inquire., 

And  all  his  righteous  paths  pursue. 


The  holy  worship  of  my  Lord, 

O  may  its  charms  inspire  my  breast ; 

Till  I  shall  rise,  through  grace  restored, 
To  mansions  of  eternal  rest. 


FAMILY  WORSHIP. 

Father,  in  cheerful  concert,  we 
Present  our  daily  prayer  to  thee ; 
By  love  united  heart  and  hand, 
We  round  the  family  altar  stand. 

From  every  sin  preserve  us  free, 
Make  us  a  holy  family ; 
And  let  our  humble  sacrifice 
Ascend  like  incense  to  the  skies. 


Our  mutual  offerings,  let  them  be 
Inspired,  and  then  approved  by  thee ; 
Adorn  us  from  thy  courts  above, 
With  all  the  gracefulness  of  love. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  119 

When  at  each  opening,  rising  day, 
We  read  thy  word,  and  praise  and  pray ; 
May  plenteous  grace  to  each  be  given, 
And  make  our  family  meet  for  heaven. 


O  may  our  children  round  us  be, 
Like  branches  of  the  olive  tree  ; 
Furnish  a  record  of  each  name, 
In  the  fair  volume  of  the  Lamb. 


Jesus,  do  thou  each  footstep  guide, 
And  keep  us  safely  near  thy  side ; 
To  mutual  love  our  hearts  incline, 
And  make  our  family  circle  thine. 

While  here  amidst  life's  cares  we  move 
"  Be  each  to  each  endear'd  with  love ;' 
And  when  from  earth  release  is  given, 
Bring  our  whole  family  to  heaven 


FOR  DIVINE  GUIDANCE. 

Jesus,  my  soul  to  thee  looks  up, 
The  bright,  the  morning  star  of  hope ; 
Full  on  my  heavenly  path  display 
The  soul-enlivening  beams  of  day. 


120  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Guide  me  the  way  my  Saviour  trod, 
Following  his  footsteps  up  to  God ; 
Till,  being  changed  from  grace  to  grace, 
I  shall,  unveil'd,  behold  his  face. 

On  heaven's  embattled  heights  to  see 
God's  empire  of  immensity  ; 
In  pure  immortal  climes  above, 
To  sweep  those  golden  harps  of  love. 

In  endless  banquetings  to  join, 
Where  saints  and  seraphs  both  combine, 
Amidst  the  grandeurs  of  the  throne, 
To  adore  th'  eternal  Holy  One. 


SPIRITUAL  DEVOTION. 

How  sweet  is  that  mind 

Which  to  love  is  inclined, 
Of  a  peaceable  spirit  possess'd ; 

What  charms  there  are  found, 

Where  those  graces  abound, 
What  pleasures  reside  in  that  breast. 

My  soul  asks  no  more 

Than  a  share  of  that  store, 
Which  Jesus  had  promised  to  give ; 

To  claim  as  my  own, 

A  place  near  thy  throne, 
And  with  "  spirits  made  perfect,"  to  live. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  121 

After  this,  I  aspire 

With  the  fondest  desire, 
The  goodness  of  God  to  adore ; 

Communion  to  find 

With  the  Lord  of  mankind, 
And  retire  from  his  presence  no  more. 


O,  't  is  happy  to  live, 

And  always  receive 
The  light  which  from  glory  doth  shine ; 

On  the  promise  confide, 

In  God's  presence  reside, 
Assured  that  my  Saviour  is  mine. 

What  superior  bliss, 

'T  is  worth  living  for,  this, 
My  gracious  Redeemer  to  know ; 

In  Jesus'  name, 

There  is  goodness  supreme, 
Which  eternity  only  can  show. 


PLEASURES  OF  DIVINE  WORSHIP. 

Jesus,  our  gifts  to  thee  we  bring, 
Thy  name  to  love,  thy  praise  to  sing ; 
The  beauty  of  thy  courts  to  see, 
And  bow,  and  love,  and  worship  thee. 
11 


u, 


122  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

While  in  thy  holy  courts  we  stay, 
Endow  us  with  the  gift  to  pray ; 
Each  invocation  kindly  hear, 
And  send  an  answer  to  our  prayer. 


Bless  us  with  pure  and  heavenly  joy, 
Let  holy  praise  our  tongues  employ ; 
Each  tuneful  melody  inspire, 
Touch'd  with  the  true  ethereal  fire. 


Sing  we  the  cross  and  crimson  flood, 
The  Saviour's  rich,  atoning  blood ; 
His  painful  thirst  and  agony, 
Upon  the  brow  of  Calvary. 

That  final,  all-prevailing  plea, 
Express'd  for  all  mankind  and  me  f 
"  Forgive  them,"  our  Redeemer  cried, 
And  bow'd  his  glorious  head  and  died. 

We  '11  sing  the  resurrection  power, 
The  victories  o'er  the  tomb  he  bore  ; 
The  powers  of  death  he  captive  led, 
And  rose  in  triumph  from  the  dead. 

We  '11  sing  of  his  ascent  on  high, 
As  Lord  of  both  the  earth  and  sky  -r 
Our  great  High  Priest  before  the  throne, 
The  world's  great  Advocate  alone. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  123 

Sing  we  that  energy  and  power, 
The  cloven-tongues,  and  flaming  shower ; 
The  light  diffused  o'er  earth  abroad, 
The  spirit  of  the  living  God. 


For  this  we  humbly  do  aspire, 
The  glowing  light,  the  burning  fire ; 
The  ancient  sacrificial  flame, 
Obtain'd  alone  through  Jesus'  name. 

Saviour,  we  love  thy  saints  to  meet, 
When  bow'd  in  worship  at  thy  feet ; 
The  heavenly  calm,  the  peace  that 's  given 
Bear  strong  affinity  to  heaven. 


Than  love  itself,  can  heaven  be  more, 
Except  the  vastness  of  the  store  ? 
This  is  the  stream  which  flows  most  free ; 
That  the  unfathom'd,  shoreless  sea. 


Father,  our  holy  love  inflame, 
Increase  our  faith  in  Jesus'  name ; 
Refresh  our  hopes  and  bid  them  rise 
To  scenes  more  glorious  in  the  skies. 

Jesus,  on  us  thy  mind  impress, 
Thy  image  and  thy  holiness  ; 
Our  souls  from  every  sin  set  free, 
And  leave  no  room  for  aught  but  thee. 


124  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Renew  our  lapsed  and  fallen  mind, 
Through  grace  be  every  power  refined ; 
In  thee  alone  to  live  and  move, 
Ruled  with  the  perfect  law  of  love. 


WORSHIP. 

Jesus,  Lord,  we  come  before  thee, 
In  thy  beauteous  courts  we  meet ; 

Where  the  cherubim  of  glory 
Overspread  the  mercy-seat ; 
Deign  to  bless  us, 

While  we  worship  at  thy  feet. 

Speak,  O  Lord,  our  sins  forgiven, 
Wash  us  in  thy  crimson  flood ; 

Cleanse  and  make  us  meet  for  heaven, 
Through  thy  sacrificial  blood ; 
Then  our  offerings 

Bear  before  the  throne  of  God. 


While  around  thine  altars  bending, 
Join'd  as  one  in  sweet  accord ; 

Let  us  feel  thy  power  descending, 

In  accordance  with  thy  word ; 

All  in  concert, 

Wait  we  for  thy  presence,  Lord. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  125 

As  the  gentle  dew  is  given, 

Or  the  teeming  showers  fall ; 
As  the  mighty  winds  from  heaven, 

Give  peculiar  grace  to  all ; 
And  most  kindly 
Answer  when  thy  people  call. 

By  the  influence  of  thy  spirit, 

May  our  best  affections  move ; 
Through  the  virtue  of  thy  merit, 

Each  possess  thy  perfect  love ; 
Then  enrol  us 
With  the  ransom'd  hosts  above. 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER. 

FIRST   PART. 

Our  Father,  thou,  the  living  God, 

Who  art  in  heaven  thy  dwelling  place ; 

Thy  name  be  hallow'd  and  adored 
By  all  the  tribes  of  Adam's  race. 

Thy  kingdom,  which  is  now  begun, 
To  every  trembling  soul  be  given ; 

Thy  will  in  all  the  earth  be  done, 
As  it  is  always  done  in  heaven. 

While  in  these  sterile  lands  we  live, 
On  us  our  daily  bread  bestow ; 

And  all  our  trespasses  forgive, 
As  we  the  same  to  others  show. 
11* 


* 


1,26  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Lead  us  not  into  trials,  which 
Thy  feeble  servants  cannot  bear ; 

But  prompt  deliverance  send  to  each, 
As  threat'ning  evils  do  appear. 

Thine  is  the  kingdom  and  the  power, 
"  God  over  all  of  truth  and  grace ;" 

Thy  righteousness  upon  us  shower, 
Make  every  soul  thy  dwelling  place. 

The  glory  also  shall  be  thine, 

Thee  only  shall  our  hearts  adore ; 

And  in  th'  eternal  realm  we  '11  shine, 
And  hymn  thy  praises  evermore. 


THE  LORD'S  PRAYER. 

SECOND   PART. 

Most  Holy  Father,  we  proclaim 
The  heavens  are  thine  abode  ; 

All  hallo w'd  be  thy  holy  name, 
Thou  gracious,  kind,  and  good. 

Thy  kingdom  as  the  noon-day  sun, 
Wide  o'er  the  world  be  given ; 

Thy  will  in  all  the  earth  be  done, 
As  it  is  done  in  heaven. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  127 

And  while  permitted  here  to  live, 

Our  daily  bread  bestow  ; 
And  all  our  trespasses  forgive, 

As  we  forgiveness  show. 

Lead  us  not  into  trials,  which 

Thy  servants  cannot  bear ; 
But  send  delivering  grace  to  each, 

As  evils  do  appear. 

Thine  is  the  kingdom,  full  of  love, 

And  joy,  and  righteousness  ; 
And  thine  the  power,  which  from  above 

Brings  everlasting  peace. 

Thine  shall  the  glory  also  be, 

While  endless  years  endure, 
And  we  will  sing  sweet  hymns  to  thee 

Both  now  and  evermore. 


WORSHIP. 

Bless  me,  O  my  righteous  Saviour, 

Evils  far  away  remove  ; 
Grant  to  me  thy  choicest  favour, 

Fill  me  with  redeeming  love ; 
Mould  and  form  me 
For  the  purer  climes  above. 


128  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Thou  art  pure,  unsullied  glory, 

Full  of  immortality ; 
I,  a  worm  compared  before  thee, 

Nothing  am,  can  nothing  be ; 
O  Almighty, 
Breathe  the  breath  of  life  in  me. 


Holy  Saviour,  I  adore  thee, 

Thou,  the  suffering,  bleeding  Lamb ; 
Humbly  I  would  bow  before  thee, 

O  describe  to  me  thy  name ; 
Tell  me,  Jesus, 
Is  thy  love  unchanged,  the  same  ? 

Sweetly  glows  my  heart  with  pleasure, 
As  the  pardoning  God  I  view ; 

Whence  the  Spirit,  without  measure, 
(Like  the  soft  descending  dew,) 
Sheds  its  blessings, 

All  my  vigour  to  renew. 


O  thou  interceding  Saviour, 

Give  from  heaven  the  kindling  fire ; 
Enter  thou  my  soul,  and  never, 

Never  thence  again  retire  ; 
And  my  passions, 
Every  moment,  Lord,  inspire. 

Let  thy  presence  pass  before  me, 
In  my  heart  reside  alone ; 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  129 

Bid  me  now  behold  thy  glory, 

Issuing  from  the  sprinkled  throne  ; 
O  thou  glorious, 
"Holy,  Holy,  Holy  One." 

Jesus,  Lord,  divinely  bless  me, 

All  my  nature  purify ; 
More  and  more  with  love  impress  me, 

And  when  life's  last  scenes  draw  nigh, 
Kindly  bid  me 
Lay  me  on  thy  breast  and  die. 

Nature's  ties,  I  feel  them  sever 

As  my  soul  aspires  above ; 
O,  to  be  embower'd  forever, 

In  the  Eden  of  thy  love  ; 

Where  bright  seraphs 
In  celestial  orders  move. 


PATIENCE. 

Patience,  of  heavenly  gifts  the  best, 

0  may  its  influence  rule  my  breast ; 
And  in  me  constantly  abide, 

Long  as  on  earth  I  shall  reside. 

1  want  of  faith  a  patient  kind, 
Congenial  to  my  Saviour's  mind ; 
Fully  persuaded  he  can  bless 

With  pardon,  peace,  and  righteousness. 


1 


130  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

I  want  a  patient,  fearless  hope, 
Which  shall  in  trials  bear  me  up, 
Cast  like  an  anchor,  firm,  to  keep 
My  soul  from  sinking  in  the  deep. 

The  gift  of  patient  love  impart, 
Which  moulds  and  purifies  the  heart ; 
This  grace  which  most  resembles  thee, 
Almighty  Lord,  bestow  on  me. 


I  ask  a  holy,  patient  zeal, 
Unwearied  in  thy  cause  to  feel ; 
With  constant,  tireless  ardour  press, 
To  gain  thy  spotless  holiness. 

Through  all  the  passions  of  the  mind, 
With  all  the  mental  powers  combined ; 
Let  patience  gain  a  full  control, 
And  spread  its  triumphs  o'er  the  whole. 


May  this  dispose  my  better  sense, 
To  love  the  ways  of  Providence  ; 
No  more  to  murmur  or  repine 
At  what  th'  Almighty  shall  design. 


In  sacred  duties  let  me  feel 
Patience  to  do  thy  gracious  will ; 
To  labour  with  unceasing  prayer, 
Long  as  my  Lord  preserves  me  here. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  131 

And  when  temptations  shall  abound, 
And  clouds  and  darkness  lower  round ; 
My  heart  unmoved,  shall  trust  thy  name, 
Whose  changeless  years  remain  the  same. 


And  when  by  sore  affliction  press'd, 
Patience  shall  calm  and  soothe  my  breast ; 
And  this  I  '11  sing,  should  strength  decay, 
"  The  Lord  who  gave,  may  take  away." 


THE  REFUGE. 

Refuge  of  trembling  souls,  to  thee, 
From  sin's  oppressive  scourge  I  flee, 
Still  keep  me  near  thyself  secure, 
Long  as  life's  varied  ills  endure. 

Thou,  who  adorn'd  the  beauteous  sky, 
Look  with  a  kind  attentive  eye ; 
Let  me  by  thy  direction  move, 
Encompass'd  with  thy  guardian  love. 

My  light  and  my  salvation,  thou, 
O'er  me  thy  shield  defensive  throw  ; 
Thine  arm  of  power  shall  still  prevail, 
Though  wars  may  rise,  and  frauds  assail. 


132  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


'Midst  treach'rous  foes  in  hosts  array'd, 
My  heart  disdains  to  be  afraid ; 
On  thee  alone  I  will  confide, 
And  underneath  thy  shadow  hide. 


To  thy  loved  courts  will  I  repair, 

To  spend  life's  chequer'd  remnant  there  ; 

The  beauty  of  my  Lord  to  see, 

And  sweet  communion  hold  with  thee. 


Wait  calmly  on  the  Lord,  my  soul, 
He  will  life's  tumults  all  control ; 
Thou  shalt  ere  long  his  ways  approve, 
How  wise,  how  kind,  how  vast  his  love. 


TRUST 


Encouraged  by  thy  faithful  word, 
We  venture  on  thy  goodness,  Lord ; 
Our  suit  with  confidence  sustain, 
Since  none  e'er  sought  thy  name  in  vain. 


Mercy  we  ask,  because  it  stands 
Engraven  on  our  Saviour's  hands ; 
His  bleeding  brow,  and  opening  side, 
Present  a  balmy,  healing  tide. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  133 

The  pity  of  our  Lord  we  see, 
Fully  express'd  on  Calvary  ; 
Bound  on  the  tree,  he  cries  "  forgive," 
That  poor  rebellious  souls  might  live. 


Jesus,  the  Great  and  Holy  One, 
Died  for  offences  not  his  own  ; 
Then  placed  within  the  courts  of  God, 
His  precious  sacrificial  blood. 

Strongly  prevails  his  love  for  me, 

UnequalPd  and  amazing,  free  ; 

Mercy  and  tnuth  are  freely  given, 

And  peace,  and  righteousness  from  heaven. 

O  lead  me  to  that  crimson  tide, 
Which  flowed  from  my  Redeemer's  side ; 
Bathe  me  in  that  all-cleansing  flood, 
That  purifies  our  souls  to  God. 

Jesus,  transform  me  all  within, 
Purge  me  from  the  remains  of  sin ; 
Thy  image  let  me  now  obtain, 
And  all  thy  holiness  regain. 

Bow  thy  heavens  and  then  come  down, 
And  make  thy  holy  presence  known ; 
Then  loved,  inspired  and  blest,  shall  we 
Be  fill'd  with  holiness  and  thee. 
12 


134  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Redeem  the  world  from  death  and  sin, 
The  true  millennial  year  bring  in  ; 
Bid  endless  life  new  powers  assume, 
And  gain  fresh  triumph  o'er  the  tomb. 


PRAYER  FOR  THE  SPIRIT. 

Holy  Spirit,  gently  pour 
On  this  thirsty  land  a  shower ; 
Bid  the  balmy  zephyrs  bring 
All  the  fragrant  bloom  of  spring. 

As  a  highly  cultured  field, 
Made  abundantly  to  yield, 
Make  the  fruits  of  grace  appear, 
In  profuse  luxuriance  here. 

Under  new  and  milder  skies, 
Form  a  second  paradise, 
Where  the  passing  hours  may  be 
Spent  in  intercourse  with  thee. 


Make  our  bounds  with  light  to  shine, 
An  holy  heritage  of  thine  ; 
Love  with  all  its  bliss  restore, 
Love  enduring  evermore. 


r 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  135 


GOD  OUR  REFUGE. 


God  is  the  refuge  of  my  soul, 

My  firm  support,  and  strength,  and  tower  ; 
And  when  the  floods  tumultuous  roll, 

Displays  his  majesty  and  power. 

Though  the  fierce  ocean  foams  with  rage, 
And  dark  and  threat'ning  clouds  are  seen, 

God  will  the  angry  storms  assuage, 
And  speak  the  elements  serene. 

He  in  his  excellency  rides 

Above  the  azure  vaulted  sky  ; 
And  every  faithful  soul  he  guides 

Beyond  the  tempest's  distant  sigh. 

Fearless  I  stand  though  friends  all  fail, 
And  earth  and  hell  combine  their  skill 

For  Israel's  strength  shall  still  prevail, 
And  all  his  promises  fulfil. 

Long  as  life's  murmuring  stream  shall  flow, 
Be  thou,  O  Lord,  my  soul's  delight ; 

Teach  me  thy  peace  and  love  to  know, 
And  all  my  steps  direct  aright. 

May  all  my  prayers  acceptance  find, 
My  ways  be  all  approved  by  thee ; 

Engrave  thy  image  on  my  mind, 
And  then  let  heaven  my  portion  be. 


136  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


RELIANCE. 

Christian,  never,  never  weary, 
Lay  not  in  the  dust  thy  crown, 

Though  thy  course  at  times  seems  dreary, 
Yet  thy  ways  to  God  are  known ; 
And  he  loves  thee, 

See  his  love  on  Calvary  shown. 

God  himself  becomes  thy  Saviour, 

In  his  faithful  word  confide ; 
Trust  thou  in  his  grace  forever, 

'T  wras  for  thee  he  bled  and  died  ,* 
Thou  art  graven 
On  his  heart,  and  hands,  and  side. 

Cast  thy  burdens  all  on  Jesus, 

He  will  all  thy  sorrows  bear ; 
Mighty  is  his  love  and  precious, 

And  the  needy  are  his  care ; 
And  his  goodness 
Thou  shalt  every  moment  share. 

Fear  not  thou  the  waves  of  ocean, 
Lo  !  thy  Saviour  walks  the  sea  ; 

'Midst  the  tempest's  dire  commotion, 
See  his  hand  reach'd  out  to  thee ; 
And  above  thee 

Mercy's  shadowing  wing  shall  be. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  137 

Suffer  not  thy  heart  to  tremble 

At  the  gathering  foes  around  ; 
Though  thine  enemies  assemble 

From  the  depths  of  night  profound  ; 
Still  beside  thee 
Is  thy  guardian  angel  found. 

Thou  hast  unexhausted  treasure, 

Gems  which  spheres  and  suns  outshine, 

Infinitely  vast  in  measure, 
Bliss  eternal  and  divine  ; 
Cheer  up  Christian, 

Heaven  and  all  its  joys  are  thine. 


THE  LORD  OUR  DEFENCE. 

Jesus,  my  kind  protector,  thou 
Thy  strong  defence  around  me  throw ; 
Then  firm  shall  I  on  thee,  my  Rock, 
Endure  time's  last,  destructive  shock. 

Strengthless  and  frail  as  prostrate  dust, 
Into  thy  hands  I  all  intrust ; 
And  'midst  the  threatning  clouds  that  roll, 
Claim  thee  as  guardian  to  my  soul. 

Leave  me  not  in  the  gulph  of  sin, 
To  foes  without,  or  dread  within ; 
Bid  me  through  all  life's  storms  look  up, 
With  steady,  constant,  cheerful  hope, 
12* 


138  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Calmly  at  all  times  to  abide, 
Whate'er  of  bliss  or  ills  betide ; 
Fix'd  on  thy  truth  unmoved  to  stay, 
Though  time  and  all  its  scenes  decay. 


Jesus,  't  is  only  when  by  thee, 

My  soul  doth  fairer  prospects  see, 

'T  is  by  thy  friendly  side  alone, 

Through  life's  dark  vale  I  view  thy  throne. 


Assure  me,  Lord,  shall  heaven  be  mine, 
The  crowns  and  glittering  robes  that  shine  ; 
Shall  I,  beyond  the  waste  of  time, 
Share  the  full  grandeur  of  that  clime  ? 


With  all  thy  saints  and  seraphs  stand, 
Enrobed  in  light  at  thy  right  hand ; 
To  pluck  those  fair,  unfading  flowers, 
Amidst  heaven's  sweet  perennial  bowers. 

I  see  the  splendid  pathway  rise, 
Illumed  with  glory  from  the  skies ; 
Far  from  this  dreary,  dark  abode, 
Winding  its  upward  course  to  God. 

There  shall  my  cheerful  footsteps  tread, 
Unawed  by  fear,  unreach'd  by  dread  ; 
Till  those  far  brighter  worlds  I  gain, 
Where  pure,  unmingled  pleasures  reign. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  139 


CONFIDENCE  IN  GOD. 

O  God,  in  goodness  deign  to  hear, 
Thy  servant's  humble,  fervent  prayer ; 
From  earth's  remotest  bounds  I  cry, 
To  thee,  the  Holy  and  Most  High. 

'Midst  evils  when  o'erwhelm'd  I  be, 
Direct  my  wayward  steps  to  thee  ; 
Lead  me  the  Rock  of  Ages  nigh, 
Whose  dwelling  place  is  in  the  sky. 

To  me  thou  hast  a  shelter  been, 
From  fierce  and  threat'ning  foes  a  screen ; 
My  tower  of  strength,  my  refuge  thou, 
My  safe-guard  from  the  hostile  foe. 

Still  near  thyself  may  I  reside, 

And  in  thy  holy  courts  abide  ,* 

Keep  me  beneath  thy  shadowing  wings, 

Thou  Lord  of  lords,  and  King  of  kings. 

Near  to  thy  altar  when  I  bow, 

Most  graciously  regard  my  vow  ; 

Give  me  an  heritage  to  claim, 

With  those  that  fear  and  love  thy  name. 

Preserved  by  truth  and  mercy  still, 
Aid  me  to  do  thy  holy  will ; 
Accept  each  daily  sacrifice, 
Till  thou  remove  me  to  the  skies. 


140  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


FOR  PEACE  AND  LOVE. 

Jesus,  Lord,  of  friends  the  best, 
Give  our  waiting  spirits  rest ; 
Thou  the  gracious,  good,  and  kind, 
Calm  the  tumult  of  the  mind. 

Bid  the  tireless  ocean  rest, 
Let  the  wearied  soul  be  blest ; 
Guilt  and  sin  at  once  remove, 
Then  bestow  the  gift  of  love. 

We  thy  gracious  goodness  claim, 
Ask  we  do  in  Jesus'  name  ; 
Bound  we  are  with  one  accord, 
Waiting  for  thy  blessing,  Lord. 

Now  thy  heavenly  grace  impart, 
Sanctify  and  cleanse  each  heart  ; 
Full  supplies  of  love  be  given, 
Make  our  earth  resemble  heaven. 


TRUST  IN  GOD. 

Servant  of  God,  why  be  dismay'd, 
When  threatening  ills  thy  course  invade  1 
And  why  thy  harp  (most  sweetly  strung,) 
So  oft  upon  the  willows  hung? 
God,  who  alone  did'st  all  things  make, 
Will  never,  never,  thee  forsake. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  141 

Fear  not  life's  foaming  main  to  ride, 
With  Him,  who  doth  o'er  all  preside, 
He  will  the  waves  tumultuous  calm, 
The  tempest-beaten  floods  disarm ; 
Thou  only  on  his  strength  rely, 
Then  all  life's  angry  storms  defy. 

Thou  hast  no  cause  to  be  afraid, 
Who,  with  omnipotence  array'd, 
Divides  the  sea,  and  at  thy  will 
Can  bid  the  sun  and  moon  stand  still, 
Rocks  into  crystal  streams  exchange, 
Or  in  the  heated  furnace  range. 


Example  take  from  saints  of  old, 
Whose  virtues  shone  like  burnishM  gold, 
Who  through  much  suffering  fearless  stood, 
The  holy,  patient,  sons  of  God  ,* 
With  them,  obtain  like  precious  faith, 
Then  live  their  life,  and  die  their  death. 


All  promises  to  thee  are  given, 

With  life,  and  time,  and  crowns  in  heaven, 

For  all  are  thine,  and  thou  alone 

Art  Christ's,  and  Christ  and  God  are  one ; 

Redeem'd  thou  art,  through  Jesus'  blood, 

A  chosen  heir,  a  child  of  God. 


Thousands  may  fall  thy  feet  beneath, 
By  war,  and  famine,  plague,  and  death, 


142  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Thou  may'st  the  dreadful  conflict  see, 
But  nothing  shall  endanger  thee  ; 
To  angels,  God  himself  conveys 
A  charge  to  keep  in  all  thy  ways. 

Thou  shalt  upon  the  lion  tread, 

And  crush  the  dragon's  frightful  head ; 

All  terror  from  thy  path  shall  flee, 

And  the  Most  High  shall  dwell  with  thee, 

Thou  underneath  his  wings  shalt  hide, 

Preserved  secure  on  every  side. 

Then  place  entire  thy  warmest  love 
On  Him,  who  fills  the  realms  above ; 
Call  when  in  trouble,  He  will  hear, 
And  fully  answer  all  thy  prayer ; 
Honour,  and  life,  thy  bliss  shall  be, 
And  thou  shalt  his  salvation  see. 


TO  THE  CHRISTIAN. 

Christian,  why  art  thou  fearful  ? 

Thy  Lord 's  the  "  Lord  of  all ;" 
He  bids  thy  heart  be  cheerful, 

And  on  his  name  to  call ; 
Protect  thee  he  will  ever, 

Who  hears  the  softest  sigh, 
Forsake  thee,  he  will  never, 

Who  rules  the  earth  and  skv. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  143 

Though  tempted  oft  and  weary, 

With  crosses  full  thy  share ; 
And  hard  thy  way  and  dreary, 

Thou  hast  no  cause  to  fear ; 
The  Lord  himself  shall  guard  thee, 

Who  rides  the  heavens  upon  ; 
And  soon  he  will  reward  thee, 

When  all  thy  work  is  done. 

Christian,  why  art  thou  careful  ? 

God  will  for  thee  provide ; 
Only  do  thou  be  pray'rful, 

Thy  wants  shall  be  supplied : 
Seek  first  the  Holy  Spirit, 

From  all  thy  sins  be  freed ; 
And  then  thou  shalt  inherit 

Whatever  else  thou  need. 


The  Lord  who  goes  before  thee, 

And  keeps  thee  every  hour  ; 
The  heavens  declare  his  glory, 

And  earth  and  skies  his  power ; 
He  rules  the  stormy  ocean, 

And  bids  the  tempests  bring, 
Through  winter's  dire  commotion, 

A  sweet  and  balmy  spring. 

From  clouds  with  showers  bending, 
The  rippling  streams  are  fill'd, 

And  landscapes,  far  extending, 
A  thousand  beauties  yield ; 


144  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

The  sunbeams  all  illuming 

Each  mountain's  towering  height. 

And  vales  luxuriant  blooming, 
Spread  every  where  delight. 


The  flocks  and  herds  he  feeds  them, 

The  sparrows  are  his  care, 
To  fertile  meads  he  leads  them, 

And  gives  to  each  a  share. 
He  clothes  the  flowers  that  spin  not, 

Which  deck  the  plains  beneath  ; 
And  thee,  forsake  he  will  not, 

O  thou  of  little  faith. 

Than  lilies,  thou  art  greater, 

Or  birds,  that  wing  the  air ; 
Image  of  thy  Creator, 

The  Saviour's  special  care  ; 
Th'  eternal  powers  defend  thee, 

Thy  hairs  are  number'd  all, 
Minist'ring  hosts  attend  thee, 

And  hearken  to  thy  call. 

God  is  thy  place  of  hiding, 

A  covert  from  the  storm ; 
While  in  his  grace  confiding, 

Thou  can'st  not  suffer  harm ; 
It  is  thy  Father's  pleasure 

His  kingdom  to  bestow, 
And  in  abundant  measure, 

His  goodness  thou  shalt  know. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  145 

The  Lord  thy  Shepherd  feeds  thee, 

What  more  can'st  thou  desire? 
Beside  the  streams  he  leads  thee, 

Where  all  his  flocks  retire. 
He  has  prepared  thy  table 

Thy  bitterest  foes  among  j 
And  he  alone  is  able 

Those  blessings  to  prolong. 


Thy  head  he  has  anointed, 

Thy  cup  it  runneth  o'er ; 
For  thee  he  has  appointed 

A  vast,  exhaustless  store. 
Goodness  and  mercy  never 

Shall  leave  thee  all  thy  days, 
And  in  God's  house  forever 

Thou  shalt  adore  his  ways. 

Then,  Christian,  why  be  fearful  1 

■  To  sighing  why  incline  ? 
Lift  up  thy  head,  be  cheerful, 

Whatever  is,  is  thine ; 
This  universe  before  thee, 

The  heaven  of  heavens  too, 
The  Lord,  his  courts,  and  glory* 
And  all  these  can  bestow. 
13 


146  devotio:nal  exercises. 


ADDRESS  TO  THE  CHRISTIAN. 

Weep  not,  Christian  !  though  oppression 

O'er  these  wretched  lands  abound  ; 
Wrongs,  with  uncontrolPd  aggression, 

Spread  their  baneful  influence  round. 
Still  forbear  impassion'd  feeling, 

Wripe  the  trembling  tear  away  ,* 
God  for  thee  is  now  revealing 

Worlds  of  pure  immortal  day. 


Sigh  not,  Christian  I  though  thy  crosses 

Far  exceed  what  others  bear, 
Heaven  will  reimburse  thy  losses, 

All  thy  injuries  repair  ; 
Beauteous  robes  will  soon  be  tender'd 

For  the  anguish  here  sustain'd ; 
More  than  double  will  be  render'd, 

More  than  paradise  regain'd. 


Fear  not,  Christian  !  war's  fierce  minions, 

Grasp  more  firm  thy  sword  and  shield  ; 
Dauntless  hear  the  hostile  clarions, 

Challenge  to  the  battle  field, 
Led  by  virtue's  nobler  interest, 

Bolder  than  a  lion  stand ; 
God  will  mark  thy  way  to  conquest, 

With  a  strong  and  mighty  hand. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  147 

Fear  not,  Christian  !  life's  rough  ocean, 

Though  its  waves  infuriate  be; 
Raging  seas,  in  wild  commotion, 

Will  not,  cannot,  injure  thee ; 
Thou  shalt  brave  the  howling  tempest, 

Fearless  ride  the  foaming  main, 
By  omnipotence  encompass'd, 

Heaven's  safe  promontory  gain. 

There's  perpetual  calm,  and  glory, 

Past  the  surging  billows'  roar ; 
Bliss  unfading  lies  before  thee, 

Where  the  wintry  storms  are  o'er ; 
Far  surpassing  expectation, 

Bloom  the  regions  of  the  blest, 
There,  the  grieved  find  consolation, 

And  the  wearied  souls  a  rest. 


Sigh  not,  Christian  !  thou  hast  treasure 

Richly  stored  in  realms  sublime ; 
Pure,  serene,  ethereal  pleasure, 

In  a  more  salubrious  clime  ; 
Happier  scenes  than  these  shall  greet  thee, 

And  thy  weeping  shall  be  o'er, 
Kindred  spirits  soon  shall  meet  thee, 

Where  the  landscapes  fade  no  more. 

Sigh  not,  Christian  !  full  enjoyment 

Shall  thy  endless  portion  be ; 
Sweetest  praise,  thy  loved  employment, 

Chaunted  through  eternity. 


148  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Where  thy  body  and  thy  spirit 
Shall  immortal  life  display  ; 

And  those  blissful  scenes  inherit, 
Radiant  with  eternal  day. 


Here  we  know  not  what  we  shall  be, 

But  when  Jesus  shall  appear, 
Clothed  with  all  his  dazzling  glory, 

Then  we  shall  his  image  bear. 
Hallelujah  to  our  Saviour, 

He  hath  brought  our  souls  to  God ; 
Glory  be  to  him  forever, 

Who  hath  wash'd  us  with  his  blood. 


O  ye  cherub  millions,  aid  us, 

Tune  your  soft  ethereal  lyres  ; 
Praise  him  who  redeem'd  and  made  us, 

All  ye  high  angelic  choirs. 
Hallelujah  to  our  Saviour, 

Who  hath  wash'd  us  with  his  blood, 
Glory  be  to  him  forever, 

Who  hath  brought  our  souls  to  God. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  149 


TRUST  IN  GOD. 

Jesus,  my  Lord,  thou  art  alone 
The  rock  my  feet  rest  firm  upon, 

The  guardian  of  my  soul ; 
And  while  thy  kindness  shall  endure, 
My  peace  shall  be  preserved  secure, 

Beyond  the  world's  control. 

What  though  I  live  my  foes  among, 
Of  spirits  fierce,  malign,  and  strong, 

The  righteous  to  devour ; 
Thy  grace  can  keep  me  calm  within, 
From  tumult  free,  from  wrath  and  sin, 

Throughout  the  trying  hour. 

Give  me  a  heart  disposed  to  peace, 
To  suffer  long  for  righteousness, 

Patient,  devout,  and  kind. 
Make  me  thine  own  adopted  child, 
Full  of  thyself,  in  temper  mild, 

And  perfectly  resign'd. 

Guide  me  life's  various  evils  through, 
And  help  me  all  thy  will  to  do, 

While  time  and  breath  are  given ; 
No  more  in  folly's  paths  to  stray, 
Show  me  the  happy,  holy  way, 

Leading  me  up  to  heaven. 
13* 


150  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

There,  in  that  peaceful,  loved  retreat, 
To  worship  at  my  Saviour's  feet  ; 

Or,  o'er  the  ambrosial  plains, 
With  angels  and  the  blood-wash'd  host, 
Praise  Father,  Son,  and  Holy  Ghost 

In  holy,  heavenly  strains. 


1 


THERE  REMAINETH  A  REST. 

There  is  a"  better  country  far, 
Which  yields  a  sweet  ambrosial  air, 

The  splendid  skies  beyond ; 
Where  crystal  streams  meandering  glide, 
And  hills  and  vales  stretch  side  by  side, 

And  rills  to  rills  respond. 

No  ills,  vexatious,  there  intrude, 
No  evils  mingle  with  the  good, 

No  clouds  obscure  the  day  ; 
Free  from  the  cold  autumnal  blast, 
The  fruitful  seasons  ever  last, 

Impervious  to  decay. 

Not  Eden  in  its  earliest  bloom, 
Did  e'er  such  loveliness  assume, 
More  innocent  or  pure  ; 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  151 

Unmingled  glory  there  appears, 
Undimm'd  by  lapse  of  fleeting  years, 
Forever  to  endure. 

No  sighing  bosom  there  shall  heave, 
No  heart  with  bitter  anguish  grieve, 

To  sin,  no  place  is  given  ; 
There  reigns  an  unmolested  calm, 
And  every  new  unfolding  charm, 

Heightens  the  bliss  of  heaven. 

I  love  to  contemplate  that  time, 
When  holy  men  of  every  clime, 

Shall  there  possess  a  bower ; 
Where  every  kindred  soul  shall  find 
A  place  congenial  to  his  mind, 

And  separate  no  more. 

On  that  Eternal  Source  of  light, 
Millions  enraptured  with  delight, 

In  ecstasy  shall  gaze ; 
O'erwhelm'd  with  glorious  light  intense, 
The  grandeur  and  the  excellence, 

The  love  of  God  displays. 

Happy  shall  be  their  lot  indeed, 

Who,  with  their  great  triumphant  Head, 

Strike  their  immortal  lyres  ; 
To  hymn  redemption's  richest  chord, 
O'er  all  the  elysian  fields  abroad, 

With  the  angelic  choirs,. 


152  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

O  that  my  soul  at  last  may  stand 
On  the  fair  borders  of  that  land, 

With  those  to  me  most  dear ; 
A  spirit  glorified  become, 
And  in  that  peaceful,  welcome  home, 

Eternal  glories  share  ! 


ON  TIME. 

Time,  with  unwearied  pace,  steals  on, 
Years  succeeding  years,  have  flown 

With  life's  vast  store ; 
As  winds  that  glance  the  mountain's  brow, 
Or  streams,  which  to  the  ocean  flow, 

Return  no  more. 

Millions  of  sires  and  sons  unknown, 
Whole  nations  have  gone,  mould'ring  down 

The  dust  beneath ; 
Kings,  kingdoms,  thrones,  and  empires,  too, 
Tribes  after  tribes,  no  traces  show 

They  once  had  breath  ! 

The  foliaged  hills  in  dappled  green, 
The  fruitful  farms  and  landscapes  seen 

With  meads  and  groves ; 
The  village  with  its  cheerful  throng, 
The  flowery  vales  and  streams  among, 

Time  all  removes. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  153 

Untiring  nature  strives  to  bring 
The  life-restoring  balm  of  spring, 

And  thus  repair 
Time's  ravages  ;  but  all  in  vain  ! 
He  drives  infuriate  on  again, 

His  ruthless  share. 

Remorseless  waste  teems  far  and  wide, 
Atoms  and  spheres  in  the  same  tide 

Together  fall  ; 
Destruction,  with  unsparing  force, 
Pursues  its  dire  and  reckless  course, 

And  levels  all. 


Systems  within  their  orbits  stop, 
Comets  and  suns,  extinguish'd,  drop 

In  fearful  haste ; 
Till  by  Heaven's  high  and  stern  decree, 
Insatiate  time  and  death  shall  be 

Forbid  to  waste. 


Time,  o'er  wreck'd  worlds  that  once  revolved, 
And  ruin'd  orbs  and  spheres  dissolved; 

Exhausted  flies ; 
Death  follows  with  resistless  tide, 
And  time  and  death  fall  side  by  side, 

No  more  to  rise. 


The  soul  alone  the  shock  sustains, 
And,  'midst  crush'd  elements,  remains 
A  gem  divine ! 


154  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

God's  image!  which  cloth  firm  endure, 
Untouch'd,  unsullied,  and  secure 
With  Him  to  shine. 


Those  mouldering  spoils  shall  also  rise,- 
A  new  and  beauteous  earth  and  skies, 

Free  from  decay ; 
An  Eden  of  unmingled  bliss, 
Of  pure  delight  and  perfect  peace, 

And  endless  day. 


No  death  shall  penetrate  that  clime, 
No  evils  from  corroding  time, 

From  sin  no  spoil ; 
But  splendid  skies,  and  flowery  hills, 
And  landscapes  interspersed  with  rills, 

Shall  gladly  smile. 


How  changed  the  scene !  what  forms  !  how  fair ! 
What  grandeur  and  what  pleasures  there ! 

Those  regions  o'er ! 
Where  all  those  countless  hosts  appear, 
From  every  planet,  orb,  and  sphere, 

To  part  no  more. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  155 


THE  CHRISTIAN'S  PROSPECT. 

Christian,  the  morn  breaks  sweetly  o'er  thee, 
And  all  the  midnight  shadows  flee ; 

Tinged  are  the  distant  skies  with  glory, 
A  beacon-light  hangs  out  for  thee. 

CHORUS. 

Arise,  arise,  the  light  breaks  o'er  thee, 
Thy  name  is  graven  on  the  throne ; 

Thy  home  is  in  those  worlds  of  glory, 
Where  thy  Redeemer  reigns  alone. 

'hy  God  is  ever  kind  and  gracious, 

He  will  direct  thy  course  above, 
or  thou  art  in  his  sight  most  precious, 

The  object  of  his  special  love. 
Arise,  &c. 

Though  in  the  proud,  dark  waves  of  ocean, 
O'erwhelm'd  thou  need  not,  shall  not  be ; 

'Midst  the  fierce  tempest's  dread  commotion, 
Thy  God  will  still  remember  thee. 
Arise,  &c. 

Toss'd  on  time's  rude,  relentless  surges, 
Calmly  composed,  and  dauntless  stand, 

For  lo  !  beyond  those  seas  emerges 

The  height  that  bounds  the  promised  land> 
Arise,  &c. 


156  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Christian,  behold  the  land  is  nearing, 
Where  the  wild  sea-storm's  rage  is  o'er ; 

Hark  !  how  the  heavenly  hosts  are  cheering, 
See,  in  what  throngs  they  range  the  shore  ! 
Arise,  &c. 


Cheer  up,  cheer  up,  the  day  breaks  o'er  thee, 
Bright  as  the  summer's  noon-tide  ray  ; 

The  starry  crowns,  and  realms  of  glory, 
Invite  thy  happy  soul  away. 

Away,  away,  leave  all  for  glory, 
Thy  name  is  graven  on  the  throne, 

Thy  home  is  in  those  worlds  before  thee, 
Where  thy  Redeemer  reigns  alone. 


Second  Chorus,  adapted  to  Auber's  Barcarole. 

Arise,  arise,  leave  all  below, 

To  glory  move, 
Thy  name  is  graven  on  the  throne, 
Thy  home  is  in  the  courts  above, 
And  thy  Redeemer  reigns  alone, 

The  God  of  love. 


i 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  157 


THE  CONSOLATION. 

Christian  !  wipe  that  weeping  eye, 
Cease  to  heave  that  mournful  sigh  ; 
Christ  for  thee  did  bleed  and  die 

On  Mount  Calvary  ,- 
Far  above  the  trackless  air, 
In  that  peaceful  kingdom,  where 

Captives  shall  be  free. 


Wipe  away  that  flowing  tear, 
Banish  all  thy  needless  fear, — 
God  regards  the  feeblest  prayer, 

Trembling  as  't  is  given 
Come  with  all  thy  woes  oppress'd, 
Bring  the  sigh  that  heaves  thy  breast, 
Strive  for  that  immortal  rest, 

Eternally  in  heaven. 


If  the  lilies  claim  His  care, 
And  the  birds  that  wing  the  air, 
We  shall  more  supremely  share 

God's  exhaustless  store 
He  whose  infinite  display 
Chased  primeval  Night  away, 
Will  unfold  a  glorious  day, 

Beaming  evermore. 
14 


1 


15b  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISE?. 

Now  the  Saviour  doth  attend, 
While  around  his  throne  we  bend ; 
Feel  ye  not  his  power  descend, 

Kindling  like  a  fire  ? 
Wintry  gloom  remote  is  driven, 
Love,  the  prelude  sweet  of  heaven, 
In  delightful  streams  is  given, 

Mortals  to  inspire. 

Love  divine !  what  boundless  store  1 
Can  celestial  life  be  more, 
Where  angelic  hosts  adore? 

Only  more  mature ! 
Far  beyond  the  starry  sky, 
O  't  is  love  which  shall  supply 
All  those  heavenly  worlds  with  joy, 

Ever  to  endure. 


Bound  we  are  those  realms  to  gain, 

Life  immortal  to  obtain, 

Walk  we  shall  the  golden  plain, 

There  to  sigh  no  more ; 
Fill'd  with  praise,  a  social  band, 
Here  we  pledge  both  heart  and  hand, 
On  the  heights  of  heaven  to  stand, 

Jesus  to  adore. 


I 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  159 


THE  SABBATH. 


Hail  !  lovely  Sabbath,  day  of  rest, 
Hallowed  by  the  Lord,  and  blest ; 
The  sweetest  day  of  all  the  seven, 
Type  of  a  glorious  rest  in  heaven. 

The  morning  wakes,  and  thousand  tongues 
Unite  their  offerings  and  their  songs  ; 
While  round  thy  throne  they  all  repair, 
To  pay  their  adorations  there. 

11  This  is  the  day  the  Lord  hath  made," 
In  it,  let  every  soul  be  glad ; 
Zion  shall  tune  her  harps,  and  say, 
How  glorious  is  the  Sabbath  day ! 

Children  and  sires,  a  noble  band, 
Within  God's  tabernacle  stand  ; 
And  with  melodious  rapture  say, 
How  happy  is  the  Sabbath  day  ! 

This  day  shall  numerous  millions  rise, 
Whose  joyful  strains  shall  mount  the  skies 
Where  the  blest  nations  find  repose, 
And  Sabbaths  dawn  no  more  to  close. 

Lord  of  the  Sabbath,  gently  pour 
A  gracious  and  refreshing  shower  ; 
Then  bear  our  peaceful  souls  away, 
Where  shines  an  endless  Sabbath  day. 


160  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


HEAVEN. 

Saviour,  if  in  this  vale  of  tears, 

We  faithful  prove  to  thee  ; 
Beyond  the  flight  of  wasting  years, 

Thy  kingdom  we  shall  see. 
There  with  the  nations  saved  on  high, 

Through  the  Redeemer's  blood, 
The  brightest  orbs  we  shall  outvie, 

Clad  in  the  light  of  God. 


Our  bodies,  glorious  as  thine  own, 

From  death  and  sin  secure, 
Shall,  'midst  the  radiance  of  thy  throne, 

Eternally  endure. 
The  soul  and  body,  now  become 

Inseparably  one, 
Shall  in  those  deathless  regions  bloom, 

While  endless  circles  run. 


There  from  those  tow'ring  heights  shall  we 

Survey  creation  o'er, 
And  every  operation  see 

Of  God's  eternal  power  ; 
The  mighty  depth  of  Jesus'  love, 

More  fully  comprehend  ; 
View  its  amazing  height  above, 

Its  object  and  its  end. 


■ 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  161 

Heaven  shall  each  faculty  expand, 

Refine  each  grovelling  sense  ; 
More  perfectly  to  understand 

The  ways  of  Providence. 
There,  we  shall  cordially  approve 

That  infinite  display 
Of  wisdom,  holiness,  and  love, 

That  mark'd  the  Almighty's  way. 

Then  to  earth's  transient  scenes  of  bliss, 

We  freely  bid  adieu, 
And  look  through  Jesus'  righteousness, 

To  happier  worlds  in  view. 
With  angels  and  the  promised  Seed, 

We  hope  ere  long  to  share 
Refulgent  crowns  upon  our  head, 

And  palms  victorious  bear. 


With  those  once  bathed  in  Jesus'  blood, 

Robed  in  peculiar  grace, 
We  shall,  beyond  time's  rolling  flood, 

See  Jesus  face  to  face. 
With  spirits  once  to  us  so  dear, 

Our  partners  and  our  friends, 
Immortal  honours  we  shall  share, 

Where  pleasure  never  ends. 


How  full  the  beaming,  heavenly  joy, 
These  blissful  scenes  disclose; 

And  those  once  in  the  Lord's  employ, 
Here  find  a  sweet  repose. 
14* 


162  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

O  when  from  every  danger  free, 
And  all  my  sins  forgiven, 

Shall  I  with  all  thy  people  be 
Assign'd  a  place  in  heaven  1 


ON  THE  UNIVERSAL  SPREAD  OF  THE  GOSPEL 

Jesus,  our  Lord,  thou  Prince  of  Peace, 

The  everlasting  Father  thou  ; 
Thy  gracious  government  increase, 

Till  every  knee  submissive  bow ; 
Earth's  widely-scatter'd  millions  bless, 
Fill  all  her  bounds  with  righteousness. 

As  the  full  rushing  mountain  stream 

Flows  on  and  spreads  with  swelling  tide — 

As  the  meridian  golden  beam, 

Illumes  the  globe  from  side  to  side — 

So  let  thy  pure  transcendent  love, 

All  souls  inspire,  all  nations  move. 

Give  our  whole  race  a  Jubilee, 

Loud  may  the  joyful  trumpet  sound ; 

Bid  every  captive  soul  go  free, 
Let  unmolested  peace  abound  ; 

All  murmuring  want  and  care  exclude, 

With  pure  and  universal  good. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  163 

Open  a  high  and  holy  way — 

Bid  Zion  from  her  mountains  sing ; 

The  victories  of  the  cross  display, 
From  far  thy  ransom'd  people  bring ! 

Let  sires  and  sons  exalt  their  voice, 

Till  all  earth's  empire  shall  rejoice. 

The  harvest  of  the  world  bring  near, 
Say  to  the  Gentile  nations,  "  Come ;" 

Let  Israel's  scatter'd  sons  appear, 
O  !  call  thy  banish'd  people  home  ; 

'Stablish  thy  church  from  pole  to  pole, 

One  vast  and  universal  whole. 

Go  with  our  missionaries,  Lord, 

Invest  them  with  the  light  of  heaven ; 

Through  them  may  thy  pure  gospel  word 
To  every  human  soul  be  given  ; 

So  shall  they  all  on  earth  that  move, 

Rejoice  in  thy  redeeming  love. 


MISSIONARY  HYMN. 

Go,  ye  ministers  of  Jesus, 

Good  tidings  to  the  Indians  bear, 

Point  them  to  the  Lamb  most  precious, 
Bid  them  round  the  cross  repair ; 

Where  effulgent 
Beams  of  heavenly  light  appear. 


164  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Go,  the  rocky  mountains  over ; 

Oregon's  dense  shades  explore ; 
All  those  numerous  tribes  recover, 

Bounding  the  Pacific's  shore ; 
Preach  the  Saviour, 

And  his  full  redeeming  power. 

Guide  them  to  that  bleeding  fountain, 
Open'd  by  the  Lamb  of  God, 

Bring  them  to  that  holy  mountain, 
Where  the  cross  of  Jesus  stood ; 

Bid  them  freely 
Bathe  in  the  atoning  blood. 

Tell  them  the  mysterious  story 
Of  the  Saviour's  dying  love  ; 

And  the  pure  transcendent  glory 
Form'd  for  them  in  climes  above, 

Where  poor  Indians 
Shall  in  heaven's  vast  circles  move. 

Go,  ye  ministers  of  Jesus, 
Cultivate  the  deserts  wild, 

Bear  with  you  the  seed  most  precious, 
Heaven  shall  recompense  your  toils 

See  before  you 
How  the  golden  harvest  smiles  ! 

Fully  cast  yourselves  on  Jesus, 
Who  will  all  your  burdens  bear ; 

He  will  make  your  way  propitious, 
Ye  are  objects  of  his  care  ; 

He  will  bring  you 
Heaven's  triumphant  bliss  to  share. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  1G5 

HOME  OF  THE  CHRISTIAN. 

On  the  high  cliffs  of  Jordan  with  pleasure  I  stand, 
And  view  in  perspective  the  fair  promised  land ; 
The  land  where  the  ransom'd  with  singing  shall 

come, 
And  enter  the  kingdom  prepared  as  their  home. 

There  rivers  most  graceful  eternally  glide  ; 

And  groves  rich  with  verdure,  grow  up  by  their 

side  ; 
There  spirits  made  perfect,  forever  become 
Immortal  and  beauteous,  in  glory  their  home. 

'T  is  there  all  the  nations  redeem'd  by  the  Lamb, 
In  circles  -most  lovely,  his  praises  proclaim. 
Through  tempests,  and  sorrows,  and  perils,  they 

come, 
To  enter  those  mansions  prepared  as  their  home. 

All  over  those  peaceful  delectable  plains, 
The  Lord  our  Redeemer  in  righteousness  reigns : 
His  sceptre  of  empire  he  now  doth  assume, 
And  kindly  doth  welcome  his  followers  home. 

How  happy  those  beautiful  realms  of  repose, 
Where,  graceful  with  fruit,   the   "  tree   of  life" 

grows ; 
The  regions  ambrosial,  forever  in  bloom ; 
God's  endless  abode,  and  the  Christian's  home. 

Those  pleasures  of  glory,  O  when  shall  I  share ! 
And  crowns  of  celestial  felicity  wear  ; 
Those  landscapes  to  range,  undisturb'd  by  a  sigh, 
The  home  of  our  fathers,  God's  palace  on  high. 


\ 


166  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


DEATH  OF  THE  CHRISTIAN. 

Saw  ye  the  summer's  evening  charm  ? 

Of  life  the  emblematic  close ; 
How  sweet  and  undisturb'd  the  calm, 

When  nature  sunk  into  repose. 

Saw  ye  the  splendid  orb  of  day, 

With  rich  empyreal  glory  crown'd? 

How  pure  and  cloudless  was  his  ray, 
Shedding  effulgent  lustre  round. 

Saw  ye  the  beauteous  azure  sky, 

Adorn'd  with  beams  of  heavenly  light  ,* 

When  all  the  gilded  arch  on  high, 
Display'd  a  scene  supremely  bright  ? 

And  saw  ye,  when  this  grandeur  fled, 
As  night's  dark  shadows  gather'd  round  ? 

But  a  new  morning  dawn'd  and  spread, 
And  brighter  slories  did  abound ! 

Thus  sinks  the  Christian  to  his  rest, 
Where  peace  to  every  soul  is  given ; 

The  evening  of  his  life  is  blest, 

And  life  immortal  shines  from  heaven. 

The  chamber  where  he  meets  his  fate 
Glows  with  a  radiance  from  the  sky ; 

And  Israel's  chariots  round  him  wait, 
A  transport  to  the  realms  on  high. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  167 

And  there  shall  heavenly  visions  break 

In  glorious  rapture  on  his  soul ; 
And  life  eternal  shall  awake, 

Where  everlasting  pleasures  roll. 


THE  RESURRECTION. 

"  Now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead ! 
And  death  and  hell  are  captive  led," 

The  angels  do  proclaim  ; 
And  soon  shall  slumbering  millions  rise, 
And  sing  in  triumph  through  the  skies, 

The  victories  of  the  Lamb. 


Our  Lord  is  risen  from  the  tomb, 
Pledge  of  the  future  "  harvest  home," 

First  fruits  of  them  that  slept ; 
The  grave  where  terrors  did  abound, 
A  peaceful  resting-place  is  found, 

For  all  the  wearied  kept. 

"  The  Lord  is  risen,"  in  transport  see, 
The  hope  of  immortality, 

And  life  and  glory  given  ; 
Mortals,  come  view  the  vast  display, 
The  portals  of  eternal  day 

Are  open'd  wide  in  heaven. 


168  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Now  is  Christ  risen  to  intercede, 
The  merits  of  his  blood  to  plead, 

Above  the  vaulted  skies  ; 
Come,  brethren,  let  us  all  repair 
To  Olivet,  and  view  him  there, 

On  clouds  of  glory  rise. 

"  The  Lord  is  risen,"  and  boundless  love, 
In  streams  immortal  from  above, 

With  mighty  grandeur  flow ; 
And  God  the  nations  doth  inspire, 
Extending  far  the  hallo w'd  fire, 

Through  all  this  world  below. 


"  The  Lord  is  risen,"  and  now  behold, 
The  judgment  day,  so  long  foretold, 

Tremendous  scene  of  power ; 
The  great  archangel  soon  shall  stand, 
His  feet  upon  the  sea  and  land, 

And  swear  that  time 's  no  more. 

The  Lord  shall  then  with  glory  come, 
To  wake  the  nations  from  the  tomb, 

Their  destiny  to  hear  ; 
The  saints  in  triumph  rise  to  heaven, 
And  unbelievers  all  be  driven 

To  regions  of  despair. 

Jesus,  thy  Holy  Spirit  give, 
And  teach  thy  servant  how  to  live, 
And  love  my  God  alone ; 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  169 

Bring  me,  and  all  my  children  dear, 
Eternal  happiness  to  share, 

With  millions  round  the  throne. 


RESURRECTION. 

SECOND   PART. 


Now  is  Christ  risen  from  the  dead, 

The  angel  hosts  proclaim  ; 
And  ransom'd  millions  soon  shall  spread 

The  risen  Saviour's  name. 


"  Our  Lord  is  risen"  from  the  tomb, 
First  fruits  of  them  that  slept ; 

Pledge  of  the  future  harvest  home, 
A  calm  for  those  that  wept. 

"The  Lord  is  risen,"  come,  saints,  and 
The  glorious  record  given  ; 

Bright  hope  of  immortality, 
And  proof  supreme  of  heaven. 


Now  is  Christ  risen  to  intercede 
For  all  the  human  race ; 

The  merits  of  his  blood  to  plead, 
The  fulness  of  his  grace. 
15 


170  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

"  The  Lord  is  risen,"  and  streams  of  love 

In  rich  profusion  pour ; 
And  bliss  descending  from  above, 

Shall  flow  forevermore. 


Our  risen  Lord  an  earnest  gives, 
Substance  of  things  to  come ; 

And  saints  do  know  that  Jesus  lives, 
And  glory  is  their  home. 


Jesus  is  risen,  and  soon  shall  all 

Reposing  myriads  rise ; 
When  all  shall  hear  the  archangel's  call, 

To  assemble  in  the  skies. 


The  resurrection  doth  presage 
The  day  of  judgment  near ; 

When  men  of  every  clime  and  age, 
Their  destiny  shall  hear. 


DEVOTION. 

Thou  great  Eternal,  pure  and  good, 
The  heaven  of  heavens  is  thine  abode ; 
To  thee  alone  be  praises  given, 
By  all  the  choral  hosts  of  heaven. 


/ 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  171 

Thee  on  our  knees  we  come  to  meet 
Before  the  glorious  mercy  seat ; 
In  tender  love  regard  our  prayer, 
And  condescend  to  meet  us  here. 


Thou,  whom  I  love  and  hope  to  see, 
Shed  thy  full  beams  of  light  on  me ; 
Merge  me  in  that  most  precious  flood, 
Which  purifies  the  soul  for  God. 

With  all  thy  fulness  make  me  blest, 
Wholly  evangelize  my  breast ; 
The  source  of  all  my  pleasures  be, 
In  time  and  in  eternity. 


QUICKEN  ME,  O  LORD,  &c. 

Jesus,  how  wonderful  thy  name, 
How  excellent  indeed  thy  love ! 

O  may  its  power  my  soul  inflame, 
And  every  latent  passion  move,. 


However  varied  be  its  course, 

A  spring,  a  flowing  stream,  or  sea ; 

If  Israel's  fountain  be  its  source, 
It  comes  in  welcome  form  to  me. 


' 


172  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

I  love  those  meltings  of  its  power, 
Those  mellow'd  feelings  of  the  soul ; 

The  full,  and  overwhelming  shower, 

Which  all  my  thoughts  and  words  control. 


I  love  to  feel  my  feeble  prayers 
Changed  to  unutterable  praise  ; 

The  overflow  of  grateful  tears, 

While  bending  at  the  throne  of  grace. 

I  love  the  perfect  love  of  God, 

The  soul  becalm'd,  the  passions  still'd ; 
I  love  its  influence  shed  abroad, 

Till  all  is  with  its  glory  fill'd. 


When  heart,  and  flesh,  and  nature  fail, 
O  may  its  charms  refresh  my  soul ! 

If  love's  clear  sunbeams  then  prevail, 
In  vain  shall  death's  dark  shadows  roll. 

Jesus,  thy  love  on  me  bestow, 
'T  is  all  I  ask,  't  is  all  my  plea  ; 

According  to  thy  kindness,  show 
The  greatness  of  thy  love  to  me. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  173 


ON  THE  DECLINE  OF  LIFE. 

Spread  on  the  lap  of  earth,  I  see 
The  lengthened  evening  shadows  lie ; 

And  each  reveals  this  truth  to  me, 
The  close  of  life  approaches  nigh. 

This  earthly  house  of  brittle  clay, 
A  shrivell'd,  mould'ring  aspect  wears ; 

'T  is  mark'd  with  premature  decay, 
The  fretted  waste  of  passing  years. 

The  "  ills  to  which  all  flesh  is  heir," 
Sickness,  and  sore,  distracting  pain  ; 

Those  noble,  heaven-wrought  frames  impair, 
Till  dust  return  to  dust  again. 

Beat  by  the  fierce  relentless  storms, 

Worn  by  the  "  insatiate  tooth  of  time," 

Those  fearfully  erected  forms, 
Fall  victims  to  a  withering  clime. 

Blighted  by  languishing  disease, 
Our  days  pass  tediously  away ; 

And  long  and  sleepless  nights,  increase 
Time's  dull  and  wearisome  delay. 

We  cling  to  life,  entreat  its  stay, 

Then  "  lash  the  ling'ring  moment"  on  ; 

We  beg  the  respite  of  a  day, 

Yet,  wish  the  sluggish  season  gone. 
15* 


174  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Our  aching  heads  seek  rest  in  vain, 
Our  flesh  and  bones  find  no  repose  ; 

Disease  succeeds  disease  again, 

Till  the  lone  grave  our  dust  enclose. 


For  climes  so  rude  God  ne'er  design'd 
Such  wond'rously  constructed  forms ; 

'T  was  man  that  foolishly  consign'd 
Himself  to  dwell  amidst  those  storms. 


'T  was  man  that  brought  forth  sin  and  death, 

And  all  the  evils  in  their  train ; 
But  'tis  the  Lord  renews  our  breath, 

And  these  dry  bones  shall  live  again. 

Then  let  this  earthly  house  dissolve, 
And  our  remains  to  dust  be  given ; 

Our  home  at  last,  ('t  is  God's  resolve,) 
Shall  be  eternally  in  heaven. 


A  SOLEMN  ADDRESS  TO  YOUTH. 

O  ye  youthful  souls,  draw  near, 
While  we  now  address  you ; 

May  those  solemn  truths  we  bear, 
Seriously  impress  you. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  175 

Clothed  with  orders  from  on  high. 

In  Christ's  stead  we  meet  you, 
Lo !  he  calls  you  from  the  sky, 

Therefore  we  entreat  you. 


Ye  have  each  a  soul,  worth  more 

Than  this  whole  creation  ; 
Worlds  by  millions  number'd  o'er, 

Sink  in  valuation. 
With  archangels  you  must  live, 

'Midst  heaven's  richest  treasure ; 
Or  with  Dives  in  hell,  receive 

Torments  passing  measure. 

Youth's  fair  bloom  shall  soon  decay, 

Transient  is  its  glory ; 
The  roses  on  your  cheeks  so  gay, 

Are  but  transitory. 
Winding-sheets,  in  sad  array, 

Soon  shall  fold  around  you ; 
wnrms  shall  claim  you  as  their  prey, 
/fould'ring  clods  surround  you. 

Souls  rebellious,  must  descend, 

Bound  in  chains  of  anguish ; 
Plunged  in  sorrows  without  end, 

Ever  more  to  languish. 
There,  'midst  howling,  frighted  fiends 

Furiously  blaspheming, 
Darkness,  undiminish'd,  reigns, 

Void  of  light's  least  gleaming. 


176  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

O,  the  gospel  truth  receive, 

Which  we  now  present  you  ; 
Come  to  Jesus  Christ  and  live, 

Let  not  sin  prevent  you. 
Peace  and  pardon  here  obtain, 

Freely  as  't  is  given  ; 
Be  through  Jesus  "  born  again," 

Then  go  up  to  heaven. 

Lord,  while  now  before  thy  throne, 

Sway  thy  sceptre  o'er  us ; 
Make  thy  glorious  mercies  known, 

To  thyself  restore  us. 
Moulded  by  thy  hand  of  power, 

Changed  in  all  our  features  ; 
Form  and  keep  us  every  hour, 

New  and  happy  creatures. 


THE  MINISTER'S  FAREWELL. 

The  seasons,  how  swiftly  they  fly, 

Our  moments  are  gliding  away ; 
We  are  hastening  on  to  the  sky, 

To  realms  of  celestial  day. 
Dear  brethren,  our  parting  is  near, 

My  time  of  sojourning  is  o'er  ; 
To  different  lands  I  must  steer,  — 

Perhaps  I  shall  sec  you  no  more. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  177 

May  Jesus,  our  Saviour  and  King, 

Unite  us  in  spirit  and  heart  ; 
And  bring  us  in  glory  to  sing, 

Where  Christians  never  shall  part. 
"  We  are  toiling  to  make  the  blest  shore," 

To  meet  the  "  ship's  company"  there; 
Where  tossings  and  tempests  are  o'er, 

And  ail  our  afflictions  and  care. 


Ye  rocks  and  ye  mountains,  adieu, 

Over  which  I  so  often  did  rove ; 
Ye  woodlands,  while  ranging  through  you, 

My  spirit  abounded  with  love. 
Adieu,  all  ye  murmuring  rills, 

That  ripple  so  gently  along  ; 
The  echo  that  ranges  the  hills, 

And  responds  to  the  traveller's  song. 

Ye  friends  of  my  Master,  adieu, 

Who  cups  of  cold  water  have  given  ; 
May  Jesus,  whose  promise  is  true, 

Reward  you  with  blessings  from  heaven. 
O  may  you  the  gospel  receive, 

Its  blessings  and  happiness  prove ; 
By  faith  on  the  promises  live, 

The  promise  of  Jesus's  love. 

Farewell,  all  ye  saints  of  the  Lord, 
Perhaps  we  shall  ne'er  meet  again ; 

Till  Jesus  pronounce  the  glad  word, 
To  meet  on  the  heavenly  plain. 


178  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

How  often  in  Jesus's  name, 

To  worship  together  we  've  gone ; 

Our  souls  have  been  raised  to  a  flame, 
Declaring  what  Jesus  had  done. 


Dear  brethren,  I  give  you  my  hand, 

To  meet  you  on  Canaan's  blest  shore ; 
Through  grace,  I  am  striving  to  land 

Where  labour  and  sorrows  are  o'er. 
The  land  of  eternal  repose, 

Already  is  heaving  in  view ; 
Where  fulness  of  happiness  flows, 

'Midst  beauties  eternally  new. 


Though  storms  of  affliction  may  roar, 

And  clouds  of  temptations  arise  ; 
We  are  bound  for  that  heavenly  shore, 

For  those  mansions  reserved  in  the  skies. 
'T  is  there  our  Redeemer  now  waits 

To  welcome  his  labourers  home, 
And  angels  attend  at  the  gates; 

Inviting  our  spirits  to  come. 


} 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  179 


THE  ADVENT. 

Jesus  the  Saviour  comes, 
In  Eden  first  foretold  ! 
Our  nature  he  assumes, 
His  wonders  to  unfold ; 
He  comes  a  captive  world  to  free, 
And  welcome  in  the  jubilee. 

Jesus  the  Saviour 's  nigh, 

The  eastern  sages  tell ; 

His  star  illumes  the  sky, 

He  comes  on  earth  to  dwell ; 
The  infant  Lord  with  joy  they  greet, 
And  lay  their  treasure  at  his  feet. 

Jesus  the  Saviour 's  born, 
The  herald  angels  sing, 
And  shout  the  auspicious  morn, 
And  joyful  tidings  bring ; 
Good  will  and  peace,  the  gift  of  heaven 
To  all  the  sons  of  men  are  given. 

r 

Jesus  the  Saviour  's  come, 

The  watchful  Shepherds  say  ; 
Let  all  prepare  him  room, 
And  hail  the  welcome  day  ; 
King  David's  Son,  the  Church's  Head, 
Appears  in  Bethlehem's  humble  shed. 


180  devotional  exercise*. 

Jesus  the  Saviour  's  here. 

His  marvellous  works  declare  ; 
Behold  what  joys  appear 
For  all  mankind  to  share  ! 
His  mercies  are  on  all  bestow'd, 
That  all  the  world  might  come  to  God. 


Jesus,  the  Saviour,  hail ! 

He  comes  to  set  us  free ; 
His  promise  cannot  fail, 
We  shall  his  goodness  see ; 
Pris'ners  of  earth,  we  soon  shall  rise, 
To  life  immortal  in  the  skies. 


Jesus,  we  love  his  name, 

We  love  his  nature  too ; 
We  love  his  grace  to  claim, 
And  give  him  praises  due  ; 
To  him,  by  all  in  earth  or  heaven, 
Be  glory  in  the  highest  given. 

Jesus,  we  love  his  power, 
His  holiness  and  word  ; 
His  glories  we  adore, 

And  claim  him  as  our  Lord ; 
To  him  we  render  praise  alone, 
The  Great,  the  High  and  Holy  One. 

Jesus,  we  love  to  (eel 

His  full  transforming  grace ; 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  181 

The  influence  of  his  will, 
The  beauties  of  his  face ; 
His  kingdom  and  his  throne,  to  see 
Their  grandeur  and  immensity. 


O  that  the  world  might  know 

The  virtues  of  his  name  ; 
And  in  full  triumph,  show 
The  glories  of  the  Lamb ; 
For  Jesus  unto  all  is  given, 
The  Lord  of  Earth  and  God  of  Heaven. 


THE  SAVIOUR'S  BIRTH-DAY. 

Come,  let  us  join  to  sing 

The  birth-day  of  our  Lord, 
And  wake  each  joyful  string, 
To  hail  the  Incarnate  word : 
He  comes  from  splendid  thrones  above, 
"The  Prince  of  Peace,"  the  God  of  Love 

Down  from  the  azure  sky, 

The  heavenly  choral  band, 
Shout  the  Redeemer  nigh, 
And  wait  his  high  command : 
Those  sweet  cherubic  minstrels  say, 
Jesus,  the  Lord,  is  born  to-day. 
16 


182  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

The  Saviour,  long  foretold, 

The  Church's  glorious  Head, 
Let  all  mankind  behold, 

In  Bethlehem's  humble  shed, 
"  A  child  is  born,  a  son  is  given," 
To  raise  a  fallen  world  to  heaven. 


Glad  tidings  to  the  earth, 

Celestial  heralds  bear, 

And  at  Immanuel's  birth, 

Good  will  and  peace  declare : 
The  world's  great  Saviour  (angels  say) 
"  In  David's  town,  is  born  this  day." 


Shepherds,  your  Lord  attend, 

The  infant  Sovereign  greet, 

With  eastern  sages  bend 

At  your  Redeemer's  feet : 

Extend  the  news  the  globe  around, 

That  Christ  in  Bethlehem  is  found. 


Lo !  the  full,  heavenly  choir, 

Attune  their  chorus  high, 
And  swell  the  rapturous  lyre, 
Along  the  vaulted  sky  ; 
To  God  alone  enthroned  in  heaven 
Is  glory  in  the  highest  given. 


Let  earth  with  all  her  tongues, 
In  joyful  triumph  rise, 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  183 

And  send  the  angels'  songs, 
Re-echoing  to  the  skies  : 
Transported  sing,  with  sweet  accord, 
The  glorious  birth-day  of  the  Lord. 


CHRISTMAS. 

Welcome,  "  the  Lord's  anointed," 

"  God's  well  beloved  Son ;" 
"  The  Prince  of  peace"  appointed, 

The  high  and  "  Holy  One." 
From  heaven's  sublimer  ranges, 

"  The  Lord  himself"  comes  down, 
And  for  the  cross  exchanges 

The  grandeur  of  his  throne. 

The  seraphs  winged  from  glory, 

Their  tuneful  carols  play, 
And  tell  the  enrapturing  story, 

"  That  Christ  is  born  to-day." 
"  Good  will"  and  free  salvation, 

Their  cherub  songs  employ  ; 
And  lo  !  they  bring  each  nation 

"  Glad  tidings  of  great  joy." 

Go,  shepherds,  from  your  mountains, 

And  every  palmy  shade ; 
From  Judah's  moss-grown  fountains, 

And  view  where  Christ  is  laid. 


184  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Behold  the  illustrious  stranger. 

King  David's  Royal  Heir, 
An  infant  in  a  manger 

At  Bethlehem  doth  appear. 

Ye  mortals  of  all  ages, 

In  holy  worship  bend, 
And  with  the  eastern  sages, 

The  infant  Lord  attend  : 
Present  to  him  your  treasure, 

The  richest  gems  of  earth, 
And  with  unmingled  pleasure, 

Hail  your  Redeemer's  birth. 

With  heaven's  bright  hosts  impendent, 

Upon  th'  expansive  air  ! 
Let  all  earth's  sons  attendant, 

The  mighty  triumph  share. 
"  Glory"  to  the  anointed, 

The  great  and  Holy  One, 
To  Christ  the  Lord  appointed, 

Who  fills  th'  eternal  throne. 


GRATITUDE. 

My  soul  shall  ever  praise 
The  great  Redeemer's  name, 

My  harp  shall  wake  its  earliest  lays, 
His  honour  to  proclaim. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  185 

My  heart  and  all  within, 

With  gratitude  shall  bless 
The  sacred  power  that  pardons  sin, 

And  gives  true  holiness. 


Thy  plenteous  mercy,  Lord, 
Shall  grateful  themes  employ, 

And  most  abundantly  afford 
A  large  increase  of  joy. 


O  may  I  ne'er  forget 

Thy  benefits  to  me  ; 
But,  humbled  for  my  sins,  regret 

I  e'er  offended  thee. 


May  I  remember  still, 

Thy  precious  gifts  bestow'd  ,* 
And  constantly  adore  thy  will, 

Full  of  the  love  of  God. 


Religion  sweetest  is, 

Cheerful  and  full  of  love ; 
My  portion  while  in  time  be  this, 

And  my  reward  above. 
16* 


186  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 


FOR  A  RENEWAL  OF  BLESSINGS. 

Come,  my  Lord,  with  thy  good  spirit, 
Cast  thy  guardian  care  o'er  me, 

Let  me  graciously  inherit, 

All  the  mind  that  was  in  thee  ; 

And  thy  goodness 
In  unblemish'd  purity. 

Open  paradise  before  me, 

O  remove  the  flaming  sword, 

To  thyself  again  restore  me, 
Let  me  wholly  love  thee,  Lord ; 

Breathe,  my  Saviour, 
Breathe  the  sanctifying  word. 

Full  I  am  of  sacred  anguish, 
Separated,  Lord,  from  thee, 

In  these  far-off  wilds  I  languish, 
When  thy  face  I  cannot  see ; 

Kindest  Saviour, 
Evermore  reside  with  me. 


Slay  the  power  of  sin  forever, 

All  thy  holiness  restore, 
Crush  the  serpent's  sting,  and  never 

Let  it  spread  its  poison  more ; 
Then  thy  spirit 

In  unmeasured  fulness  pour. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  187 

Make  me,  Lord,  as  truly  holy 

As  my  present  form  will  bear, 
Then  maintain  within  me  fully, 

All  thy  goodness  can  prepare ; 
And  most  kindly 

Give  the  overflowing  share. 


Lord,  to  thee  belongs  all  power, 
All  perfection  flows  from  thee ; 

Bring,  O  bring,  the  long-wish'd  hour, 
Cleanse  all  sinfulness  from  me. 

Give  me,  Saviour, 
Love,  in  all  its  purity. 

Love,  in  full  and  perfect  measure, 
More  than  all  things  I  desire  ; 

Glows  my  heart  with  boundless  pleasure, 
When  the  spirit  doth  inspire 

All  within  me, 
With  its  pure  and  kindling  fire. 

Jesus'  love  is  full  of  glory, 

More  than  paradise  it  is, 
And  were  Eden  now  before  me, 

Love  I  would  prefer  to  this  ; 
O  how  holy ! 

How  transporting;  is  its  bliss  ! 

Lord,  revive  me,  bless  my  spirit, 
Give  the  penticostal  flame; 


188  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Now  apply  thy  power  and  merit, 
Through  the  great  atoning  name ; 

Grant  it  freely, 
As  in  ancient  times  it  came. 


All  thy  visitations,  Saviour, 
Give  more  frequently  to  me ; 

All  thy  gills,  thy  love,  and  favour, 
Let  them  oft  repeated  be  ; 
And  each  moment 
Help  me  to  devote  to  thee. 

Lord,  in  blessing  fully  bless  me, 
Multiply  my  faith  and  love  ,* 

With  thy  image  now  impress  me, 
Every  evil  thing  remove  ; 
And  preserve  me, 
To  those  brighter  worlds  above. 

Let  me,  in  my  daily  offerings, 

Hold  communion  sweet  with  thee, 

In  my  crosses  and  my  sufferings, 
Patient  and  contented  be, — 

Calmly  waiting 
Till  from  earth  thou  set  me  free. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  189 


MY  BLISS  AND  GLORY. 

Jesus,  I  find  abundant  favour 

Near  thy  pierced  and  bleeding  side  j 

Thee,  I  claim  my  only  Saviour, 
Who  for  me  hast  bled  and  died  ; 

And  in  thy  unbounded  goodness, 
I  will  evermore  confide. 


Thou  art  all  my  bliss  and  glory, 
Source  of  all  my  peace  and  love ; 

I  am  happy  while  before  thee, 
When  I  feel  thy  spirit  move; 

O  set  up  thy  throne  within  me, 
Never,  never,  to  remove. 

What  though  grievous  ills  assail  me, 
And  my  feeble  flesh  complain, 

Foes  combine,  and  friends  all  fail  me  ? 
Yet  if  Jesus  still  remain, 

With  his  presence,  I  am  fully 
Recompensed  for  all  my  pain. 

Jesus,  while  I  bow  before  thee, 
All  my  prayers  and  worship  own ; 

Thou,  my  hope  of  future  glory, 
Dwell  within  my  heart  alone, 

And  inspire  my  spirit  wholly, 
O  thou  gracious,  Holy  One. 


190  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Full  of  blessings,  full  of  favour, 
All  my  various  wants  regard ; 

O  be  thou  to  me  forever 

My  "  exceeding  great  reward  ;" 

Crown  my  future  days  with  pleasure, 
Glorious  and  redeeming  Lord. 


PETITION. 

Humbly  before  thy  face  we  fall, 
Thou  universal  Lord  of  all ; 
The  King  of  kings,  creation's  Source, 
Whose  power  sustains  this  universe. 

Our  fallen  powers  again  restore, 
That  we  may  love  thee  more  and  more, 
All  evil  from  our  hearts  remove, 
That  nothing  may  remain  but  love. 

Dispel  all  sin,  and  doubt,  and  fear; 
Let  the  pure  heavenly  light  appear  ; 
The  brightness  of  thy  grace  convey, 
Increasing  to  the  perfect  day. 

Preserved  from  all  temptations  free, 
Perfect  true  holiness  in  me ; 
Each  passion  calm,  each  motive  bless, 
Clothe  every  thought  with  righteousness. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  191 

Though  high  thy  dwelling  and  thy  throne, 
And  thou  thyself  the  Eternal  One, 
Yet,  through  a  Mediator,  we 
Obtain  access  to  heaven  and  thee. 

Mercy  unbounded,  Lord !  is  thine, 
Unchanged,  eternal,  and  divine, 
And  mercy  issuing  from  the  throne, 
Claim  a  poor  fallen  world  its  own. 

All  things  obey  thy  vast  control, 

All  worlds,  all  orbs,  and  spheres  that  roll ; 

And  lo  !  in  silent  reverence,  we 

In  dust  and  ashes  worship  thee. 

As  the  infinity  of  space, 

So  ample  are  the  bounds  of  grace  ; 

So  full  and  so  entirely  free, 

That  none  need  bow  in  vain  to  thee. 


FOR  COMMUNION. 

O  for  that  soul-inspiring  love, 
Which  did  the  ancient  fathers  move ; 
That  gracious  all-absorbing  flame, 
Bestow'd  through  the  Redeemer's  name. 

O  for  that  sin-destroying  power, 
The  heart-refining,  heavenly  shower : 
The  gift  bestow'd  on  sinners  lost, 
The  influence  of  the  Holy  Ghost. 


192  DEVOTIONAL    EXEHCISES. 

The  trembling  awe,  the  filial  fear, 
A  sense  of  Jesus'  presence  near ; 
Those  "  first  fruits"  of  eternal  bliss, 
That  "  God  is  mine,  and  I  am  his." 


Jesus,  do  thou  reside  in  me, 
The  true  "  indwelling  Deity ;" 
My  soul  to  perfect  love  restore, 
And  keep  me  spotless  evermore. 

Give  me  the  mind  that  is  in  thee, 
Full  of  all  heavenly  purity ; 
That  free,  unmeasured  grace  bestow'd, 
The  pure,  unblemish'd  love  of  God. 

O  bid  the  cherubim  to  spread, 
Their  shadowing  wings  around  my  head  ; 
In  me,  make  all  those  glories  meet, 
That  once  adorn'd  the  mercy  seat. 


Bid  me  ascend  the  mount  to  thee, 
And  there  thy  passing  glory  see, 
Those  heavenly  beamings  of  thy  grace ; 
And  hold  communion  face  to  face. 


From  thence  O  may  I  ne'er  remove, 
O'erwhelm'd  with  glory  and  with  love, 
And  O  thou  Good,  thou  Great,  and  High, 
'Midst  the  full  radiance  let  me  die. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  193 


CHRIST  AND  HIS  BENEFITS. 

Jesus,  the  true  and  heavenly  light, 

That  lighteth  all  mankind  ; 
Whose  name  includes  all  grace,  and  might, 

The  great  Eternal  mind. 

All  things  were  made  by  thee  alone, 

Th'  incarnate  Deity ; 
The  heavens,  the  rolling  spheres,  thy  throne, 

Time  and  eternity. 

Thou  dwellest  in  the  purest  light, 

Full  of  immensity  ; 
The  first  archangels  in  thy  sight, 

Its  grandeur  cannot  see. 

And  thou  who  form'd  all  worlds,  became 

Clothed  in  humanity ; 
The  holy  and  unspotted  Lamb, 

He  lived  and  died  for  me. 

And  mortals,  through  redeeming  love 

Jehovah  can  adore ; 
To  them  thy  mercies  kindly  move, 

Thy  goodness  and  thy  power. 


For  all  our  race,  atoning  blood 
Was  shed,  amazing  free  ; 

And  in  a  pure  and  healing  flood, 
Flow'd  from  Mount  Calvary. 
17 


194  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

It  brings  in  boundless  grace  to  all 
The  pardoning  love  of  God ; 

And  from  the  ruins  of  the  fall, 
It  changes  our  abode. 

From  guilt  and  condemnation  now 

Our  souls  are  justified  ; 
And  peace,  with  all  its  bliss,  we  know, 

Through  Jesus  crucified. 

And  Jesus'  love,  our  joy  and  boast, 
The  richest  charm  of  heaven, 

Is  freely  by  the  holy  Ghost 
To  all  believers  given. 

'Tis  love  divine  that  purifies 

Our  souls  from  every  sin  ; 
From  all  defilement  sanctifies, 

And  perfects  all  within. 

Saviour,  it  is  thy  beaming  light 
Illumes  the  heavenly  way  ; 

Increasing  still  in  radiance  bright, 
More  to  the  perfect  day. 

Our  peace  abounds,  our  joys  improve, 
Our  pleasures  onward  flow  ; 

And  we,  inspired  by  heavenly  love, 
In  grace  and  knowledge  grow. 

Our  souls  enlarge,  the  mind  expands, 
Our  hearts  become  more  pure ; 

And  all  revolving  nature  stands 
More  gloriously  mature. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  195 

More  and  more  fully  do  we  love, 

The  love  of  Deity  ; 
As  issuing  from  the  courts  above, 

In  all  its  purity. 

And  all  who  feel  the  love  of  God, 

Who  Jesus'  followers  are  ; 
Whate'er  their  calling  or  abode, 

Shall  our  affections  share. 

And  men  of  every  age  and  name, 

The  evil  and  the  good ; 
As  kindred  flesh  and  blood  we  claim, 

Through  the  Redeemer's  blood. 

In  all  their  varied  bleeding  woes, 

For  each  indulge  a  care ; 
As  joys  or  ills  may  interpose, 

Kindly  those  burdens  bear. 

As  sons  of  peace,  the  loved  of  heaven, 

With  goodness  unconfined ; 
To  every  grace  and  virtue  given, 

To  God  and  all  mankind. 

Increase,  O  Lord,  the  purer  light, 

Thy  love  to  comprehend ; 
To  know  the  length,  and  breadth,  and  height, 

Thy  mercies  do  extend. 

Most  faithfully  thy  gifts  improve, 

Waiting  our  change  to  come ; 
When  thou  shalt  from  thy  courts  above, 

Call  the  redeemed  home. 


196  DEVOTIONAL    BXEKCI8ES. 


PARAPHRASE:    loth  PSALM. 

Who,  Lord,  shall  in  thy  courts  abide, 

There  to  behold  thy  face  ? 
Or,  in  thy  holy  hill  reside, 

That  pure  and  happy  place  ? 

He  that  uprightly  walks  and  lives, 
And  worketh  righteousness ; 

And  in  a  faithful  heart  conceives 
The  truth  his  lips  express. 

Who  doth  not  backbite  with  his  tongue, 

Nor  evils  seek  to  find ; 
Nor  taketh  a  reproach  to  wrong, 

Or  hurt,  his  neighbour's  mind. 

All  wickedness  his  soul  disdains, 
In  actions,  thought,  and  word ; 

But  those  his  best  regard  obtains, 
Who  fear,  and  love  the  Lord. 

Whate'er  he  promises,  his  word 

Unchangeable  shall  be ; 
Howe'er  the  means  it  may  afford 

To  cause  his  injury. 

His  wealth  he  never  does  regard 

With  usurous  intent  ; 
Nor  will  he  take  the  least  reward 

Against  the  innocent. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  197 

He,  that  in  these  things  shall  abound, 

He  never  shall  be  moved  ; 
But  in  the  heavens  he  shall  be  crown'd, 

By  God  himself  approved. 


ENCOURAGEMENT  TO  CHRISTIANS. 

Christian,  in  all  thy  strength  arise, 
Thy  helmet,  sword,  and  shield  gird  on ; 

Scenes  of  bright  glory  in  the  skies, 
Await  thee  when  thy  work  is  done. 

Stand  in  thy  might,  the  foe  is  thine, 
All  enemies  to  thee  must  yield ; 

In  vain  do  earth  and  hell  combine, 
Thy  God  is  in  the  battle-field. 

He  will  for  thee  all  means  provide, 

And  all  his  promises  fulfil ; 
The  rivers  and  the  seas  divide, 

And  bid  the  sun  and  moon  stand  still, 

Thousands  of  trembling  foes  shall  flee, 
And  myriads  fall  at  thy  right  hand ; 

The  dreadful  conflict  thou  shalt  see, 
But  safe  amidst  the  carnage  stand. 

God  hath  forbid  the  Amorite 
Within  thy  borders  to  remain ; 

To  thee  belongs  the  promised  right, 
And  thou  shalt  easy  conquest  gain. 
17* 


196  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Slay  then  the  giant  man  of  sin, 
And  all  that  in  thy  bounds  annoy ; 

Thrust  out  the  foe  that  lurks  within, 
And  every  evil  thing  destroy. 

Live  thou  from  all  oppression  free, 
In  perfect  peace,  and  sin  no  more  ; 

And  God  himself  shall  dwell  with  thee 
And  thou  shalt  all  his  ways  adore. 

Near  thee  shall  Israel's  fountain  lie, 
And  angels'  food  to  thee  be  given ; 

The  Lord  shall  all  thy  wants  supply, 
From  his  exhaustless  store  in  heaven. 

The  pillar  and  the  cloud  of  day, 

Shall  screen  thee  when  by  heat  opprest-, 

And  evening's  glowing  flame  display 
A  soothing  light,  and  sign  of  rest. 

God  will  thy  faithful  offerings  meet, 
And  all  his  glories  shed  o'er  me ; 

And  in  thy  heart,  his  mercy-seat, 
Thy  Urim  and  thy  Thummim  be. 

Far  more  than  all  the  promised  land, 
Or  Eden's  lovely  bowers,  are  thine ; 

Thy  feet  ere  long  shall  firmly  stand 
Where  everlasting  splendours  shine. 

Christian,  lift  up  thy  head,  behold ! 

What  mansions  are  prepared  above, 
What  bliss,  what  robes,  what  crowns  of  gold  ,• 

What  minstrels,  in  those  worlds  of  love  J 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  199 

Yet  'midst  time's  rude  and  reckless  spoil, 
Stay  thou  awhile,  the  cross  to  bear  ; 

Heaven  will,  ere  long,  reward  thy  toil, 
And  thou  shalt  all  its  grandeurs  share. 

Where  death  eternally  is  done, 

All  swallow'd  up  in  victory ; 
Where  the  pure  mind  new  life  puts  on, 

"  And  mortal  immortallity." 


DESIRING  MORE  GRACE. 

Jesus,  my  heart,  its  full  desire, 
And  every  thought  to  thee  incline ; 

My  powers,  and  passions,  all  inspire, 
And  claim  me  as  a  child  of  thine. 

Cleanse  me  from  every  evil  free, 
Sin's  least  remains  far  orT  remove ; 

Thy  image,  Lord,  restore  to  me, 
Of  holiness  and  perfect  love. 

Cheerful  I  would  the  cross  sustain, 
Supported  by  redeeming  grace ; 

That  with  thy  church  I  may  obtain 
Admission  to  thy  dwelling  place. 

Let  thy  abiding  grace  be  given, 
And  with  me  every  moment  stay ; 

Shed  on  the  path  that  leads  to  heaven, 
The  brightness  of  eternal  day. 


200  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Call  me  into  the  mountain  height, 
To  be  transfigured  with  my  Lord ; 

Thence  to  behold  those  worlds  of  light, 
Where  saints  receive  their  great  reward. 

The  triumphs  and  the  bliss  to  share 
W  ith  millions  singing  hymns  of  love ; 

And  crowns  of  heavenly  glory  wear 
In  the  eternal  realms  above. 


"  THY  YEARS  SHALL  NOT  FALL." 

O  thou  who  left  thy  dazzling  throne, 

In  flesh  to  be  displayed  ; 
The  great  Eternal  God  alone, 

By  whom  all  things  were  made. 


The  outspread  firmament,  so  bright, 

Full  of  immensity ; 
The  evening  shade,  the  morning  light, 

Were  each  ordain'd  by  thee. 

The  heavens  and  all  that  in  them  be, 

The  atom,  and  the  sphere ; 
Obedient  to  thy  high  decree, 

From  nothing  did  appear. 

Earth,  and  its  strong  foundations,  rose — 

The  dry  land  and  the  sea  ; 
From  chaos,  slumbering  in  repose, 

Moved  and  sustain'd  by  thee. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  201 

And  all  that  breathes,  of  every  form, 

Each  living,  moving  thing, 
Mankind,  the  beasts,  and  creeping  worm, 

And  fowls  upon  the  wing. 

Yet  these  shall  change,  and  each  wax  old, 

The  spheres,  and  all  their  store, 
Like  as  a  vesture  thou  shalt  fold, 

And  they  shall  be  no  more. 

But  thou  remainest  still  the  same, 

Thy  years  shall  never  fail ; 
Unchanged  thy  everlasting  name 

O'er  all  things  shall  prevail. 

And  saints  shall  ever  worship  thee 

With  sweetest  hymns  of  love ; 
O'erwhelm'd  with  all  the  ecstasy 

Which  fills  the  courts  above. 

In  regions  of  perpetual  bloom, 

From  every  evil  free ; 
Where  every  object  shall  assume 

Pure  immortality. 


REFLECTION  AND  PRAYER. 

Jesus,  be  thou  my  Saviour  still, 

Guide  me  while  in  this  vale  of  tears ; 

Inspire  my  heart  to  do  thy  will, 
And  bless  my  few  declining  years. 


202  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

I  mourn  not  o'er  the  times  gone  by, 
Those  seasons  now  forever  past  ; 

The  toils  once  borne  create  no  sigh, 
And  scarcely  in  the  memory  last. 

Feeble  and  few  my  wasting  days, 

And  God  demands  what  first  he  gave  ,* 

Yet  Jesus'  dying  love  displays 

A  brightening  halo  round  the  grave. 

Time's  varied  scenes  are  nearly  done, 
My  moments  hasten  to  a  close 

Life's  trembling  sands  are  almost  run, 
My  wearied  flesh  desires  repose. 

I  gaze  upon  the  opening  tomb, 

Where  Christ  and  all  his  servants  lie  ,* 

My  body  claims  the  dust  its  home, 
My  spirit  struggles  for  the  sky- 


HOW  TO  DIE. 

Jesus,  direct  me  how  to  live, 

And  teach  me  how  to  die  in  thee  ; 

O'er  sin  a  perfect  conquest  give, 
And  o'er  the  tomb  full  victory. 

Let  me,  like  Simeon,  full  of  peace, 
Embrace  the  Saviour  of  mankind ; 

And  when  life's  wearied  efforts  cease, 
Sweetly  release  the  captive  mind. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  203 

Say  as  thou  once  did  on  the  tree, 

While  hanging  'midst  the  earth  and  skies ; 

"This  day,  thy  soul  shall  surely  be 
At  rest  with  me  in  paradise." 

O,  let  me  die,  my  Lord,  with  thee, 

Thou  who  my  breath  and  all  things  gave  j 

Grant  me  a  final  victory 

O'er  all  the  terrors  of  the  grave. 

Far  from  my  soul  all  fear  remove, 
Chase  every  gloomy  cloud  away  ; 

And  in  the  chariot  of  thy  love 
Convey  me  to  the  worlds  of  day. 


IF  THOU  SPEAKEST,  THERE  SHALL  BE  LIGHT. 

Thou  source  of  light,  of  power,  and  love, 

Creator  of  the  universe ; 
All  darkness  from  the  world  remove, 

And  every  cloud  of  sin  disperse. 

As  ancient  chaos  heard  its  Lord, 
And  vanish'd  to  return  no  more ; 

O  speak  again  that  powerful  word, 
And  light  and  order  both  restore. 

Say  to  the  sons  of  earth,  "  be  pure," 
Through  the  atoning  Saviour  given  ; 

All  sin  destroy,  each  grace  mature, 

And  give  the  mould  and  seal  of  heaven. 


204  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Unite  thy  people  into  one, 

Break  down  each  separating  wall ; 

In  earth  and  sky  be  thou  alone, 
Adored  and  worshipped  by  all. 

The  strong  man  bind  in  chains  of  night, 

His  empire  totally  destroy  ; 
Shed  new  and  brighter  beams  of  light, 

And  pure  uninterrupted  joy. 

O'erspread  the  earth  with  truth  and  grace, 
Like  streams  which  from  the  mountain  glide ; 

May  Jesus'  love  fill  every  place, 
With  full  and  universal  tide. 

Head  of  the  Church,  all  power  is  thine, 
If  thou  but  speak  there  shall  be  light ; 

In  pure  unclouded  fulness  shine, 
And  fill  thy  people  with  delight. 

All  praise  to  God  who  dwells  on  high, 
By  every  thing  that  breathes  be  given ; 

By  all  encircling  earth  and  sky, 

And  all  the  numerous  hosts  of  heaven. 


THE  RESTORATION. 

O  Lord,  thy  praying  people  bless, 
Restore  them  to  thy  righteousness, 

Reach  out  thy  gracious  hand ; 
Their  cause  in  every  clime  sustain, 
And  favour  their  return  again, 

Into  the  promised  land 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  205 

Those  captive  tribes  regard  them  still, 
And  all  thy  faithfulness  reveal, 

Thy  "  banish'd  ones"  restore : 
Let  them  their  great  deliverer  know, 
And  bid  the  nations  let  them  go 

To  be  opprest  no  more. 

When  shall  that  joyful  time  draw  near, 
That  Israel  shall  again  appear, 

With  all  the  Gentile  race  ? 
When  all  earth's  sons  like  streams  -shall  glide, 
In  one  full  universal  tide, 

And  find  redeeming  grace. 

Lord,  art  thou  not  on  Israel's  side, 
And  shall  he  not  in  thee  confide, 

And  trust  in  thee  alone  ? 
Thou  Captain  of  the  scatter'd  host, 
O  bring  again  those  tribes  once  lost, 

And  form  them  into  one. 

Behold  them  now  with  trembling  stand, 
Waiting  to  hear  thy  high  command, 

And  pass  them  o'er  the  flood  ,* 
Forbid  the  waves'  tumultuous  roar, 
And  lead  thy  faithful  people  o'er, 

Where  once  their  fathers  stood. 

Thy  holy  promise  to  fulfil, 

Say  to  the  sun  and  moon,  "  stand  still ;" 

All  enemies  destroy ; 
Prostrate  the  towering  walls  again, 
Nor  let  one  Canaanite  remain 

Thv  people  to  annoy. 
18 


206  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Renew  again  the  ancient  soil, 

The  corn,  the  wine,  the  palm,  and  oil, 

And  clusters  of  the  vine  : 
May  flocks  and  herds  unnumber'd  feed, 
On  every  landscape,  vale  and  mead, 

Where  changeless  summers  shine. 

In  blessing  make  them  truly  blest, 
Give  them  a  happy,  final  rest, 

And  all  their  joys  increase ; 
The  sighing  cheer,  the  captive  free, 
Bring  in  the  glorious  jubilee 

Of  universal  peace. 


FOR  DIVINE  FAVOUR. 

Saviour,  inspire  my  heart  to  pray, 
With  influence  from  above  ; 

And  to  my  longing  soul  convey 
The  beauties  of  thy  love. 

Whene'er  I  bow  my  trembling  knee 

Before  thy  mercy-seat, 
Let  each  communication  be 

Exceeding  full  and  sweet. 

Subdue  and  tranquillize  the  mind, 

Its  tumults  all  suppress  ; 
And  mould  it  in  a  form  most  kind, 

Perfect  in  holiness. 


DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES.  207 

In  me  display  (though  frail  and  weak) 

The  gracious  change  divine  ; 
O  thou,  who  once  of  old  didst  speak 

The  water  into  wine. 


Say  unto  me,  "  wilt  thou  be  whole  ?" 
Then  bid  me  rise  and  go  ; 

Let  all  my  powers  feel  thy  control, 
Thy  full  salvation  know. 


To  thee  alone  I  all  commend, 
Whose  years  remain  the  same  ; 

Call  me  a  child,  a  brother,  friend, 
Or  aught  that  bears  thy  name. 


No  mines  of  gold,  nor  fame,  nor  power, 

Nor  thrones,  do  I  desire ; 
God  is  the  object  I  adore, 

His  love  I  most  desire. 


For  this  I  humbly  bow  my  knee, 
Before  the  eternal  throne ; 

Nothing  I  ask,  can  nothing  see, 
But  Jesus'  love  alone. 


Strengthen  my  heart,  O  Lord,  in  this, 

More  perfectly  to  know  ; 
The  fulness  of  that  heavenly  bliss 

Thou  only  can'st  bestow. 


208  DEVOTIONAL    EXERCISES. 

Give  the  full  measure  of  it  now, 
Each  hindrance  far  remove ; 

Cause  my  full  soul  to  overflow, 
With  Jesus'  dying  love 

May  the  clear  visions  of  thy  grace 
Break  sweetly  o'er  my  soul ; 

And  let  me  see  unveil'd  thy  face, 
Whose  power  all  worlds  control. 

O  bring  me  where  I  shall  reside, 

My  Saviour  to  adore  ; 
Where  saints  and  seraphs,  side  by  side, 

Sing  praises  evermore. 


MISCELLANEOUS  POEMS. 


IN  MEMORY  OF  REV.  LAWRENCE  M'COMBS. 

Another  mighty  prince  is  slain, 

Our  brother  sleeps  beneath  his  shield ; 

His  sword,  that  never  turn'd  again, 
Lies  fallen  on  the  battle  field ; 

The  well  contested  strife  is  o'er, 

The  war  to  be  renew'd  no  more. 


On  Zion's  walls  he  long  has  stood, 
And  o'er  the  rocky  mountains  trod  ; 

And  through  the  vales  by  field  and  flood, 
Preaching  the  mighty  truths  of  God ; 

And  thousands  felt  the  inspiring  flame, 

When  he  proclaim'd  his  Master's  name. 

Go,  thou  great  chieftain  of  the  field, 
Thy  triumphs  all  shall  follow  thee ; 

Go,  and  exchange  thy  sword  and  shield 
For  crowns  of  star-gemm'd  brilliancy  ; 

The  tumult  of  the  war  is  done, 

The  victory  gain'd,  the  conquest  won. 

18*  209 


210  MISCELLANEOUS    TOEMS. 

"  Well  done,"  thou  servant  of  the  Lord, 
Faithful  in  Jesus'  loved  employ ; 

Go  and  receive  thy  great  reward, 
Enter  into  thy  Master's  jov  ; 

To  thee  attendant  guards  are  given, 

The  chariots,  and  the  host  of  heaven. 

Daughters  of  Israel,  weep  again, 

Your  glory  on  the  earth  lies  spread ; 

How  is  the  Lord's  anointed  slain ! 
Number'd  with  the  illustrious  dead  ; 

He  did  unto  the  mount  repair, 

And  Heaven  came  down  and  met  him  there. 

'T  is  done,  his  toils  and  sufferings  close, 
Nor  heaves  his  tranquil  heart  a  sigh ; 

His  dust  lies  slumbering  in  repose, 
His  spirit  has  gone  up  on  high  ; 

The  good,  the  faithful,  and  the  blest, 

Has  enter'd  his  eternal  rest. 


EARTH  IS  NOT  OUR  HOME 

Max  is  admonish'd  from  his  birth, 
His  treasure  not  to  lay  on  earth, 

'T  is  not  his  home  ! 
Design'd  he  is  for  climes  more  kind, 
Form'd  more  congenial  to  his  mind, 

In  worlds  to  come. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  211 

The  earlier  prospects  of  the  soul, 
Fly,  as  the  years  successive  roll, 

Nor  long  remain  ; 
We  cling  to  life's  illusive  dream, 
Which,  as  the  onward  passing  stream, 

Ne'er  turns  again. 

Revolving  seasons  flee  away, 

From  gorgeous  bloom,  to  sore  decay ; 

As  clouds  they  pass  ; — 
Or  like  the  autumnal  leaves  they  fall, 
And  time  insatiate  moulders  all, 

In  one  dense  mass. 


The  sweetest  friendships  that  allure, 
Do  seldom  very  long  endure, 

But  soon  as  found, 
Some  power  unseen,  forbids  their  stay, 
And  the  stern  mandate  all  obey, 

The  circle  round. 


Children  and  sires,  each  one  pursue, 
Whole  generations  follow  too, 

The  same  sad  call ; 
Nothing  resists  th'  impetuous  tide, 
Which  sweeps  the  world  from  side  to  side, 

And  prostrates  all. 

Though  few  the  years  we  here  remain, 
We  are  not  form'd  to  hope  in  vain, 
Some  happier  day ; 


212  MISCELLANEOUS     POEMS. 

The  soul  may  find  a  blissful  clime 
Beyond  the  wasting  power  of  time, 
Far  from  decay. 

Earth  was  design'd  for  worms,  the  range, 
Ere  to  the  chrysalis  they  change, — 

When  plumed  they  fly 
The  stars  beyond,  to  that  loved  scene, 
Where,  clad  in  dazzling  gold  and  green, 

They  wing  the  sky. 

There,  in  serene  ethereal  bowers, 

To  drink  the  nectar  from  those  flowers, 

That  ever  bloom ; 
Where  pain,  and  death,  and  time  are  past, 
And  kindred  spirits  meet  at  last, 

In  heaven  their  home. 


ON  HEARING  A  ROBIN. 

I  hear  the  Robin's  morning  lay, 
And  something  in  his  song 

Brings  to  my  mind  a  train  of  thought, 
Of  years  when  I  was  young. 

The  mountain's  bluff,  the  valleys  low, 
The  murmuring  stream  along ; 

The  frequent  range  and  ramble  round, 
In  years  when  I  was  young. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  213 

The  distant  horn,  the  sounding  flail, 
The  flocks  and  herds  in  throng ; 

I  recollect  those  rural  scenes, 
Of  years  when  I  was  young. 


The  circling  round  of  youthful  friends, 
As  vines  with  clusters  hung ; 

The  fire  that  in  their  bosoms  glow'd, 
In  years  when  I  was  young. 

Sweet  little  Redbreast,  how  I  love 
Those  warblings  of  thy  tongue, 

And  all  the  retrospect  they  bring, 
Of  years  when  I  was  young. 

But  scenes  and  friends  of  earlier  days 
With  time  have  roll'd  along  ; 

And  memory  only  calls  to  mind 
The  years  when  I  was  young. 

Life  with  its  varied  scenes  have  changed, 

I  feel  it  in  my  song ; 
But  Robin  warbles  just  the  same, 

As  when  I  once  was  young. 


214  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 


ADDRESS  TO  MY  WIFE. 


S ,  I  wish  thee  good  and  kind, 

Rich  in  virtues  of  the  mind  ; 
May  thy  breast  become  the  place 
Where  enshrined  dwells  every  grace. 
Pure  may  all  thy  motives  be, 
Far  from  all  corruption  free ; 
All  thy  acts,  and  words,  and  ways, 
Claim  their  proper  meed  of  praise ; 
Truly  may  thy  heart  possess 
All  the  charms  of  holiness ; 
All  the  bliss  that  grace  can  give, 
In  thy  bosom  ever  live ; 
May  the  Saviour's  kindest  love 
O'er  thy  best  affections  move ; 
And  its  kindling,  glowing  fire, 
All  thy  faculties  inspire  ; 
Keep  thee  free  from  all  offence, 
Clothed  with  purest  innocence. 
Then  as  days  and  years  decline, 
Brighter  may  thy  graces  shine  ; 
More  and  more  the  beams  of  light, 
Gild  the  shades  of  nature's  night, 
Till  our  days  are  ended  here, 
And  heaven's  pearly  gates  appear, 
Then  may  some  sweet  cherub  band 
Wing  thee  to  the  promised  land. 


ik 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS,  215 


IN  MEMORY  OF  TWO  BELOVED  CHILDREN, 

Who  died  at  Wilmington,  Del.,  1834.  Mary 
Adeline,  aged  two  years  and  four  months ; 
Caroline,  aged  seven  months.  Both  occupy 
the  same  grave,  at  the  Methodist  Church,  Wil- 
mington, Del. 

How  sweetly  do  our  children  lie, 

The  low  and  mould'ring  dust  their  bed ; 

Their  peaceful  bosoms  heave  no  sigh, 
'Midst  the  calm  slumbers  of  the  dead. 

I  love  the  spot  where  they  repose, 

Round  which  full  many  a  charm  I  see j 

And  every  leaf  that  o'er  them  grows, 
Becomes  an  object  dear  to  me. 

I  value  what  the  grave  contains, 

Those  forms  on  nature's  breast  reclined ; 

And  their  memorial  still  remains, 
Engraven  deeply  on  my  mind. 

My  fond  remembrance  oft  recalls 
The  blissful  hours  we  used  to  share ; 

And  still  their  prattling  accent  falls 
With  sweet  delight  upon  my  ear. 

As  some  luxuriant  foliaged  vine, 
A  thousand  circling  folds  impart ; 

So  do  those  lingering  spirits  twine 
Round  the  affections  of  mv  heart. 


• 


216  MISCELLANEOUS    POEJIS. 

As  trees  in  beauteous  vernal  flower, 

Surrounded  by  a  blighting  air  ; 
God  moved  them  into  his  own  bower, 

To  flourish  more  securely  there. 

Like  dew-drops  trembling  on  the  spray, 
To  them  a  transient  hour  was  given  ; 

"  The  sunbeams"  at  the  opening  day, 

"Exhaled  them,"  and  they  went  to  heaven. 

And  what  the  turf-grown  moulds  enclose, 
Shall  soon  more  splendidly  arise ; 

And  those  loved  objects  shall  compose 
A  glorious  order  in  the  skies. 

When  Time  shall  stop  in  his  career, 

And  God  reanimate  our  dust  ; 
That  welcome  hour  shall  then  appear, 

The  resurrection  of  the  just. 


FRIENDSHIP. 

I  love  a  faithful  friend  indeed, 

Sincere,  and  kind,  and  full  of  grace ; 

Who  serves  me  in  the  time  of  need, 
Whate'er  my  circumstance  or  place. 

What  is  this  world,  when  friendships  cease 
What  are  its  honours,  wealth,  and  fame? 

Its  pomp,  its  pleasures,  and  its  peace, 
Are  nothing  but  a  bubbling  name. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  217 

How  poor  the  friendless  monarch  is, 
Though  master  of  a  splendid  throne ; 

Who  claims  no  portion  of  that  bliss, 
True  friendship  furnishes  alone. 

There  is  a  hallow'd  shade  assign'd, 

Devoid  of  every  anxious  care ; 
And  friendly,  kindred  spirits  find, 

A  sweet  and  cheerful  mingling  there. 

Friendship  is  not  "  an  empty  name," 
A  mere  bewildering,  false  decoy, 

It  is  a  soul-inspiring  flame, 

And  full  of  every  virtuous  joy. 

'T  is  like  the  hidden  golden  mine, 

Deeply  embosom'd  in  the  earth, 
The  ordeal  makes  it  brighter  shine, 

And  various  moulds  improve  its  worth. 

We  often,  by  a  false  remove, 

Leave  space  where  vile  suspicions  play  ; 
Which  change  the  mind  disposed  to  love, 

Aud  friendships  vanish  far  away. 

Free  intercourse  those  views  dispel, 
And  all  our  kindly  thoughts  restore ; 

A  few  can  e'er  the  reasons  tell, 

Why  they  were  never  friends  before. 

'T  is  obvious  this,  the  "  far  between," 
The  difference  makes  in  human  kind ; 

And  men  to  each  as  foes  are  seen, 
Who  otherwise  are  one  in  mind. 
19 


218  MISCELLANEOUS    JPOEMS. 

I  love  an  interchange  of  mind, 

An  honest,  generous,  circling  round ; 

I  love  such  faithful  friends  to  find, 
And  have  them  every  where  abound. 


THE  SUMMER'S  EVENING. 

I  gaze  with  exceeding  delight, 

On  a  clear  summer's  evening  sky ; 

When  the  sun  sheds  his  last  tints  of  light, 
With  graceful  effulgence  on  high. 

The  clouds,  with  white  towering  crest, 
As  on  the  soft  air  they  recline, 

Are  all  in  rich  elegance  drest, 
And  in  golden  embroidery  shine. 

All  nature  is  hush'd  to  a  calm, 

Not  a  sigh  doth  encumber  the  breeze , 

While  a  sweet  and  ethereal  charm 
Extends  o'er  the  earth  and  the  seas. 

The  storms  have  in  silence  retired, 

To  rest  on  Oblivion's  shore ; 
The  tumults  of  earth  have  expired, 

And  life's  toilsome  service  is  o'er. 

Magnificent  emblem  indeed, 

When  the  Christian's  last  victories  shine  ,* 
And  he,  with  an  archangel's  speed, 

Ascends  to  an  empire  divine. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  219 

Unspeakable  glories  imbue, 

And  crimson  his  horizon  round ; 
And  oring  those  bright  worlds  into  view, 

Where  pleasures  forever  abound. 

'T  is  a  scene  of  all  others  sublime, 
Such  as  heaven  alone  can  display ; 

The  ultimate  bound'ry  of  time, 
The  dawning  of  infinite  day. 


THE   EVENING. 

How  lovely  is  the  beauteous  charm, 

Extending  o'er  the  azure  sky ; 
The  summer  evening's  pleasing  calm, 
And  softest  sigh. 

The  fleecy  gold-tinged  clouds  serene, 

Recumbent  on  the  expansive  air ; 
With  so  magnificent  a  scene, 

What  can  compare  ? 

The  blooming  vales,  the  hills  around, 

And  glebes  with  gay  luxuriance  teem; 
The  groves  with  graceful  foliage  crown'd, 
Refulgent  seem. 

High  on  the  mountain's  dingy  brow, 

Where  rests  the  sun's  last  trembling  ray  ,* 
Thousands  of  nameless  splendours  glow 
In  bright  display. 


220  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

The  sea,  beyond  the  lengthened  lines 

Which  separate  it  from  the  sky ; 
In  deep  dark  slumbering  waves  reclines,     " 
Nor  heaves  a  sigh. 

The  transient  glimmering  twilight  spreads 

A  kind,  composing,  gentle  gleam ; 
And  "  parting  day"  with  mildness  sheds 
Its  lingering  beam. 

The  murmurings  from  th'  unwearied  rill, 

Fall  in  sweet  accents  on  the  ear ; 
The  toils  which  did  the  hamlet  fill, 
All  disappear. 

The  village  occupants  retire, 

As  night  upon  the  hills  comes  down  ; 
While  pure  and  plenteous  joys  conspire 
Their  days  to  crown. 

Happy  the  undisturb'd  retreat 

To  which  the  labourer  plods  his  way ; 
Where  cheerful  countenances  greet 
The  closing  day. 

Calm  unaffected  silence  reigns, 

Save  when  the  night-bird's  cry  is  given ; 
Far  as  earth's  utmost  verge  sustains 
The  vaulted  heaven. 

'T  is  evening  !  and  a  solemn  pause 

Appears  on  all  the  world  imprest ; 
Form'd  by  the  great  Eternal  cause, 
As  nature's  rest. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  221 

Delightful  emblem  of  life's  close^ 

Precursor  of  immortal  joy  ; 
When  God  shall  give  the  soul  repose, 
In  worlds  on  high. 


ON  PROVIDENCE. 

Ah  !  how  incompetent  is  man, 
Heaven's  ways  inscrutable  to  scan, 

With  powers  so  small ; 
Clouds  of  impenetrable  night, 
Obscure  those  ways  from  mortal  sight, 

And  ever  shall. 

Men  reason  about  providence, 
From  objects  that  affect  the  sense, 

Than  which  is  found 
Nothing  in  all  the  range  of  thought, 
In  folly's  darkest  mazes  wrought, 

That 's  less  profound. 

The  things  which  gloomy  aspects  wear, 
Destruction  do  not  always  bear  ,* 

But  in  disguise, 
God  doth  more  specially  display 
Superior  wisdom,  and  convey 

His  rare  supplies. 

Earth's  loneliest  chasms  do  unfold 
Rich  and  extensive  veins  of  gold, 
Of  wealth,  our  store ; 
19* 


222  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

And  from  the  rudest  quarries  wrought, 
The  highly  polish'd  stones  are  brought, 
For  dome  and  tower. 


In  wildest  deserts  far  from  view, 
Are  flowers  of  every  varied  hue, 

And  beauteous  form ; 
And  in  the  ocean's  caverns  lie 
Gems  of  the  richest,  purest  dye, 

Immersed  in  storms. 

From  turf-grown  rocks,  ill  shapen,  too, 
Do  crystal  streams  meand'ring  flow, 

O'er  meadows  green  ; 
And  fertilizing  as  they  pass, 
Adorn  with  flowers  and  verdant  grass, 

The  whole  terrene. 

?vlingled  with  clods  and  shapeless  moulds, 
A  solitary  seed  unfolds, 

(Graceful  and  strong,) 
The  stately  monarch  of  the  wood, 
Where  many  warbling  wild-birds  brood, 

The  boughs  among. 

I  've  seen  a  dreary  winter  bring 
A  cheerful,  lovely,  fruitful  spring, 

Blooming  and  gay  ; 
The  landscapes  bnght'ning  to  the  eye, 
The  stream's  soft  murmur,  and  the  sigh, 

Where  zephyrs  play. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  223 

I  've  seen  the  beating  storms  of  rain, 
Which  drench'd  the  hills  and  swept  the  plain. 

With  tumult  wild ; 
But  when  the  infuriate  blast  was  done, 
In  beaming  majesty,  the  sun 

Made  nature  smile. 

I  've  seen  the  seaman  spread  his  sail, 
And  catch  the  brisk  and  driving  gale, 

To  scud  before, 
His  barque,  the  sooner  to  obtain 
(Beyond  the  tempest-foaming  main,) 

The  destined  shore. 

On  the  poor  beggar  at  the  gate, 
Attendant  bands  of  angels  wait, 

From  heaven  sent  down ; 
To  guide  to  endless  bliss  an  heir, 
With  legions,  cherubic  to  share 

A  splendid  crown. 

While  others,  friendless  and  obscure, 
Hardships  unnumber'd  may  endure, 

Nor  these  alone ; 
But  in  the  lapse  of  time,  may  claim 
Enlarged  possessions  to  their  name, 

Perhaps  a  throne ! 

I  've  seen  the  Christian  worn  and  poor, 
At  life's  last  shady,  pensive  hour, 

Exulting  lie ; 
While  round  him  cheerful  voices  sung, 
And  heaven's  soft  music  sweetly  strung, 

Ascended  high. 


224  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

I  've  seen  him  slumbering  with  the  dead, 
When  evening's  twilight  shades  had  fled, 

Pallid  and  cold ; 
Yet  those  frail  ashes  shall  assume. 
Beyond  the  empire  of  the  tomb, 

A  deathless  mould. 

Far  from  time's  perishable  sway, 
In  cloudless  and  perennial  day, 

There  to  engage 
With  seraphs,  in  a  chant  of  love, 
In  heavenly  form  to  shine,  and  move 

Undimm'd  by  age. 

Then,  say  not  that  each  providence 
Some  ruin  bears  to  drive  us  hence ; 

For  God  assigns 
A  solace  that  shall  soothe  the  breast, 
A  place  of  perfect  peace  and  rest, 

For  noble  minds. 

The  things  inexplicable  here, 
Shall  there,  a  different  aspect  wear, 

The  throne  before  ; 
In  wisdom  God  hath  made  them  all, 
And  wondering  millions  ever  shall 

His  name  adore. 

The  period,  too,  approaches  near, 
When  with  those  objects  once  so  dear, 

But  long  gone  hence  ; 
In  heaven's  vast  sphere,  we  shall  combine 
To  scan  the  wonderful  design 

Of  Providence. 


MISCELLANEOUS    TOEMS.  225 


THE  FAMILY  CIRCLE. 

How  pleasing  the  scenes  of  our  youth, 
How  gaily  the  seasons  pass  by ; 

What  charms  have  conspired  to  smooth 
The  current  of  innocent  joy  ! 

The  woodland's  luxuriant  display, 
So  gracefully  mantled  in  green  ; 

The  hills  clothed  in  lovely  array, 

Where  the  beauties  of  nature  were  seen. 

How  rich  were  the  songs  of  the  grove, 
What  multitudes  join'd  in  the  lay  ! 

Those  sweet  recollections  I  love, 

And  the  scenes  that  have  passed  away. 

What  melody  flow'd  from  their  song, 
The  strain  and  the  warble  how  fine ! 

The  hills  bore  the  echo  along, 
Responding  to  every  line. 

The  paternal  domestic  abode, 

I  love  to  remember  it  still ; 
The  barn,  by  the  side  of  the  road, 

And  the  brook  with  its  murmuring  rill. 

The  ancient  abode  of  my  sire, 

What  pleasing  enchantment  was  there 

As  we  closed  round  the  family  fire, 
Our  mutual  pleasures  to  share. 


226  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

Our  hymns,  how  we  sang  them  together 
And  melody  sweetest  did  raise, 

When  led  by  our  sire  and  mother, 
In  the  family  concert  of  praise. 


And  then  as  we  bowed  around 
The  family  altar  and  pray'd ; 

With  our  parents  have  frequently  found, 
Abundance  of  goodness  display'd. 

How  full  of  devotion  the  prayer, 
How  fervently  sent  to  the  throne ! 

How  gratefully  flowed  the  tear, 
How  ample  the  benefit  shown  ! 

But  scenes  of  my  youth  have  all  fled, 
Those  juvenile  pleasures  are  o'er  j 

My  parents  are  both  of  them  dead, 
And  the  family  circle's  no  more. 

Yet,  though  the  original 's  gone, 
To  exist  as  a  circle  no  more  ; 

Each  child  forms  a  circle  alone, 
A  branch  from  the  circle  before. 


The  altar  and  song  to  sustain, 
May  each  be  inspired  by  love ; 

Then  all  an  high  station  obtain, 
In  the  family  circle  above. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  227 


THE  HAPPY  FAMILY. 


Is  there  bliss  to  be  found  in  these  regions  below, 
Where  care  forms  no  arrow  envenom'd  to  throw  1 

A  rose  from  the  wild-briar  free  1 
Where  the  mind  dwells  remote  from  ambition's  extreme, 
And  peace  sheds  her  soft  and  munificent  beam  1 
'Tis  the  cottage  that  stands  near  some  murmuring  stream, 
'  With  a  kind  peaceful  family. 

No  honours  they  court  from  the  lords  of  mankind, 
No  pleasures  beyond  what  at  home  they  may  find, 

A  frugal,  but  competent  cheer ; 
No  profusion  of  glittering  wealth  do  they  crave, 
But  life's  blooming  comforts  they  constantly  have, 
As  the  fruit  of  their  toils  which  they  prudently  save, 

And  with  generous  simplicity  share. 

There 's  a  richness  of  virtue  ennobles  their  hearts, 
Improved  by  the  graces  religion  imparts, 

And  charms  that  with  innocence  blend ; 
The  demon  of  ill  from  the  circle  is  driven, 
And  each  grateful  bosom  receives  what  is  given, 
(With  perfect  delight)  as  the  bounty  of  heaven, 

Which  providence  pleases  to  send. 

When  the  sweet  breathing  morn  lights  its  earliest  ray, 
And  the  dew-drops  like  pearls  gem  the  new  rising  day, 

They  all  bow  the  suppliant  knee ; 
And  then  with  an  ardour  which  heav'n  doth  inspire, 
Their  devotions  ascend,  and  awaked  is  the  lyre, 
As  if  kindled  again  were  the  primitive  fire, 

Which  prophets  in  vision  did  see. 


228  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

Free,  unrestrain'd  friendship  is  warmly  exprees'd, 
And  each  with  the  fondest  benevolence  blest, 

In  mutual  harmony  move  ; 
The  parents  direct  with  affectionate  sway, 
And  guide  their  loved  charge  with  the  mildest  display, 
And  thus  glide  most  happy  their  seasons  away, 

A  circle  of  pleasure  and  love. 

Where  pure  unaffected  simplicity 's  found, 
And  kindness,  and  social  contentment  abound, 

With  genuine  piety  join'd ; 
In  the  castle  or  cot,  on  the  mountain  or  plain, 
True  bliss  doth  acquire  a  perpetual  reign, 
And  Eden's  loved  bowers  all  blooming  again, 

To  a  cheerful  and  virtuous  mind. 


MUTABILITY  OF  LIFE. 

The  season  was  lovely  and  clear, 

Not  a  speck  hid  the  firmament's  blue  ; 

The  soft  tinge  of  dawn  did  appear, 

And  earth  was  impearl'd  with  the  dew. 

The  first  opening  blush  of  the  morn, 
Dispers'd  the  dark  shadows  of  night  ,• 

The  sun  did  all  nature  adorn, 
With  pure  and  empyreal  light. 

The  hills  and  the  valleys  display'd 
A  view  most  inviting  and  fair  ; 

The  groves  were  superbly  array'd, 
And  sweetlv  embalm'd  was  the  air. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  229 

A  stillness  ethereal  spread 

Its  hallow'd  enchantment  around  ; 

Save  when  the  stream's  murmur  was  hoard, 
Or  the  tremulous  echo's  rebound. 

Such  grandeur  the  world  did  assume, 

In  exquisite  order  disposed  ; 
So  rich  was  the  elegant  bloom, 

Luxuriant  nature  disclosed. 

But  soon  did  these  brilliances  fade, 

This  beautiful  order  decay, 
The  charms  which  so  cheerfully  play'd, 

Now  rapidly  hasten'd  away. 

For  a  cloud  which  had  vagrantly  stray'd, 

Came  so  unexpectedly  o'er, 
The  sun  became  veil'd  in  the  shade, 

And  nature  seem'd  lovely  no  more. 

The  skies,  which  before  were  serene, 
Did  lower  with  fierce  tempests  around  ; 

The  storms  shook  this  verdant  terrene, 
And  clothed  it  in  darkness  profound. 

So  frail  were  those  visions  of  sense, 
So  transient  and  feeble  their  day ; 

They  dawn'd,  and  ere  noon  vanish'd  hence, 
In  the  'midst  of  the  gorgeous  array. 

And  thus  appear  all  that's  earth-born  ! 

How  florid  the  dawn  of  their  years ! 
How  gay  and  transporting  the  morn, — 

But  strangely  the  whole  disappears. 
20 


230  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

What  a  wonderful  change  is  produced, 
In  the  mind,  in  the  world,  and  our  friends, 

We  scarce  know  in  which  it  is  most, 
Or  the  bound'ries  to  which  it  extends. 


In  the  days  of  our  youthful  delight, 
While  the  halcyon  months  did  remain ; 

What  pleasures  then  feasted  our  sight, 
Which  never  shall  greet  us  again ! 

But  soon  we  shall  gaze  on  that  bliss, 
The  Heaven  of  Heavens  contains, 

Where  joy  far  more  permanent  is, 
And  undisturb'd  pleasure  remains. 

The  faint  glimmering  beauties  of  time, 
Which  but  for  a  moment  endure, 

Compared  with  those  regions  sublime, 
Possess  not  a  grace  to  allure. 

There  clouds  never  spread  their  dark  shade, 
Nor  tempests  endanger  that  shore ; 

Those  heavenly  landscapes  ne'er  fade, 
And  the  changing  of  seasons  is  o'er. 

Those  realms  of  ineffable  light, 

Yield  a  balmy,  elysian  air  j 
The  day  is  eternally  bright, 

And  new  and  full  glories  appear. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  231 


TIME  AND  ETERNITY. 

Why  do  the  loveliest  seasons  fly, 
No  longer  seen,  no  longer  known  ? 

Why  is  the  range  of  earth  and  sky, 
Like  as  a  transient  vision  gone  ? 

'Tis  Time,  with  unmolested  sway, 

Removes  those  lovely  scenes  away  ! 

Life,  as  a  fine  majestic  oak, 

Stretches  its  stately  boughs  around ; 

Then  falls  beneath  the  fatal  stroke, 

And  spreads  its  foliage  on  the  ground ; 

Time,  with  a  rude,  remorseless  sway, 

Scatters  our  feeble  life  away. 

I  saw  the  blooming  sons  of  God, 

Sustain'd  by  earth,  and  rear'd  by  heaven  ' 
I  saw  them  spread  their  tents  abroad, 

And  then  from  all  these  pleasures  driven ; 
Relentless  Time,  with  ruthless  sway, 
Drove  all  those  blooming  sons  away. 

I  saw  the  earth,  a  charming  scene, 

With  hills  and  vales  resplendent  drest ; 

With  groves  and  fields  of  lovely  green, 
And  flocks  and  herds  with  plenty  blest ; 

But  Time,  with  wanton,  reckless  sway, 

Remov'd  those  beauteous  scenes  away. 


232  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

I  saw  the  glittering,  rolling,  spheres, 
Ranging  the  sky  with  cloudless  light ; 

When  in  the  lapse  of  wasting  years, 
They  set  in  everlasting  night ; 

'Twas  Time,  that  bore  such  boundless  swaT 

That  swept  those  radiant  orbs  away. 

At  length  old  Time  was  pensive  laid, 
As  lowering  o'er  this  wreck  of  things  ; 

And  feeble  were  the  attempts  he  made, 
To  spread  again  his  pendent  wings  ; 

Eternal  Ages,  claim'd  the  sway, 

And  put  insatiate  Time  away. 

I  saw  those  mighty  ruins,  all 

Convulsive  move,  with  dreadful  throes ; 
I  heard  a  voice  impulsive  call, 

And  a  new  earth  and  heaven  arose  ; 
'Twas  God,  who  did  his  sceptre  sway- 
And  introduced  eternal  day. 

I  saw  the  illustrious  dead  assume 
Immortal  life  in  realms  divine  ; 

I  saw,  through  ages  yet  to  come, 
Unfolding  scenes  of  glory  shine ; 

Where  endless  life  obtains  the  sway, 

And  Time,  and  Death  are  done  away. 

I  saw  unnumbered  millions  dwell 

In  glorious  climes  of  boundless  love ; 

Where  angels'  anthems  sweetly  swell, 
Respondent  through  the  courts  above ; 

Where  pure  unchanging  bliss  is  given, 
The  high,  eternal  joys  of  heaven. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  233 


MUTABILITY  OF  TIME. 

Man  is  not  destined  long  to  stay 
Where  first  he  breathes — perhaps  a  day, 

Or  hour  alone  ! 
This  life  is  but  a  passing  place, — 
To  worlds  beyond  we  run  the  race, 

And  soon  't  is  done  ! 

Why  should  we  then  indulge  a  sigh, 
If  ills  we  meet,  or  pleasures  fly  1 

This  cannot  last ! 
'Tis  but  a  momentary  strife, — 
WTe  breathe,  and  then  we  end  our  life, 

And  all  is  past. 

As  flow  the  rivers  to  the  sea, 

So  time  glides  swift  from  you  and  me, 

'T  is  gone,  how  soon  ! 
Ourselves,  yea,  more  !  a  hapless  race, 
Shall  lie  involved  in  Death's  embrace, 

Perhaps  ere  noon ! 

This  world  is  but  the  wreck  of  souls ! 
Where  the  rough  sea  in  tumult  rolls 

Its  fearful  wave ; 
But  heaven  ere  this  a  place  has  reared, 
With  pure  celestial  bloom  prepared, 

Beyond  the  grave. 

Life's  genial  current,  stay  it  must, 
And  earth  again  resume  our  dust, 
Till  time  shall  cease ; 
20* 


234  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

And  O !  how  sweet  the  sound  I  hear  ! 
More  glorious  shall  our  dust  appear, 
In  realms  of  peace. 

After  we  shall  resign  our  breath, 
And  moulder  to  the  stroke  of  death  ; 

We  hope  to  find 
A  pure  and  happier  world  of  bliss, 
Where  we  shall  greet  the  "  fond  of  peace," 

In  climes  more  kind. 

Why  then  complain  of  transient  things, 
Time  lends  to  life  his  wide-spread  wings 

To  waft  us  on ; 
And  by  those  sweeping  pinions  driven, 
Fleet  as  the  wind  we  mount  to  heaven, 

And  soon  are  gone. 

Fly  then,  ye  moments  !  swifter  far 

Than  the  pale  gleam,  when  shoots  a  star — 

There 's  nought  to  lose  ; 
Life  in  perennial  grandeur  waits, 
And  when  we  pass  the  empyrean  gates, 

There  is  repose. 


THE  CRITICAL  MOMENT. 

There  is  a  moment,  when  the  toys 
Of  earthly  grandeur  please  no  more ; 

A  season  when  the  alluring  joys, 

Of  all  earth's  transient  scenes  are  o'er ! 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  235 

There  is  a  time  of  threatening  storms, 
When  splendid  rites  no  succour  give ; 

Nor  creed,  nor  incense-breathing  forms, 
Our  anxious  bosoms  can  relieve. 

'Tis  when  the  tender  cords  that  bind 
Our  souls  to  earth  at  once  give  way, 

And  when  our  feeble  spirits  find 

Of  life  the  last,  faint,  glimmering  ray. 

Tremendous  sight !  when  the  lone  soul, 
Stands  trembling  on  the  verge  of  time  ! 

To  plunge  where  death's  dark  billows  roll, 
Or  rise  to  heaven's  immortal  clime. 

What  can  this  solemn  scene  control, 
Or  make  the  feeble-minded  brave  1  ' 

Or  what  can  cheer  the  curfew's  toll, 
Or  chase  the  terrors  from  the  grave  ? 

There  is  a  heavenly  power  above, 
Which  sheds  a  halo  round  the  tomb  ; 

There  is  a  charm  in  Jesus'  love, 
That  sweetly  guides  believers  home. 


HOPE. 

Hope  is  the  refuge  of  the  mind, 

A  sacred  pledge  of  mercy  given ; 
The  richest  boon  that  mortals  find 
This  side  of  heaven. 


236  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

Hope  is  of  origin  divine, 

Expressly  sent  to  man's  abode  ; 
And  radiant  glories  round  her  shine, 
The  light  of  God  ! 

Delightful  Hope  !  its  lovely  sound 

Conveys  a  charm  to  every  place ; 

And  countless  millions  oft  have  found, 

In  Hope,  a  grace. 

'Tis  Hope  contributes  to  our  peace, 
It  gives  the  languid  spirits  tone ; 
And  many  taste  superior  bliss, 
In  Hope  alone ! 

Hope  seldom  shows  her  beauteous  form 

Among  the  circles  of  the  great ; 
But  'midst  the  dark  and  reckless  storm, 
Appears  in  state. 

Hope  sheds  her  rich  and  brighter  beams, 

In  deep  distress,  and  toils  and  pains ; 
And  comforts  flow  in  generous  streams, 
While  Hope  remains. 

Far  in  the  mountain's  shady  bower, 

By  falling  streams,  in  deep  defiles, 
'Tis  Hope  relieves  the  tedious  hour, 
With  graceful  smiles. 

The  sons  of  light  pursue  their  way, 

And  sing  in  hope  "  thy  kingdom  come ;" 
And  onward  move  without  delay, 
To  reach  their  home. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 


237 


If  foes  a  threatening  aspect  wear, 

As  clouds  in  furious  order  driven ; 
'Tis  Hope  assists  those  ills  to  bear, 
And  points  to  heaven. 

Should  life  be  as  a  troubled  stream, 

Inclined  to  murmur  as  it  flows  ; 
And  earthly  bliss  be  like  a  dream 
Without  repose  : 

Hope,  like  the  glimmering  rays  of  light 

That  beam  upon  the  morning  sky, 
Points  to  those  heavenly  scenes  more  bright, 
In  worlds  on  high. 

Its  charms  do  light  and  cheer  the  way 

That  leads  to  happiness  at  last ; 
That  glorious  and  eternal  day, 
When  time  is  past. 


THE  RAMBLE. 

I  love  the  morning's  softer  rays, 

When  nature  breathes  in  gentle  sighs  ; 

And  dew-drops  glitter  on  the  sprays, 
And  milder  sun-beams  gild  the  skies. 

I  love  to  see  the  valleys  glow, 

With  glimmering  beauties  to  the  eye ; 

When  the  far  distant  mountain's  brow, 
Seems  like  a  basement  to  the  sky. 


238  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

The  rising  hills,  the  streams  that  flow, 
And  fertile  lands  adorned  with  green  ; 

And  groves  where  lofty  elm-trees  grow, 
Are  all  in  beauteous  order  seen. 

There,  numerous,  cheerful  creatures  sing, 

While  to  the  vales  they  oft  repair, 
Or  by  the  streams,  or  on  the  wing, 

They  skim  along  the  yielding  air. 

On  the  extended,  grassy  plain, 

Where  scatter'd  shade-trees  spread  their  boughs, 
Or  near  the  fountain's  gentle  drain, 

Reclining  flocks  and  herds  repose. 

Deeply  embower'd  in  shrubs  and  trees, 

The  peaceful,  well-stored  farm-house  stands; 

'Midst  grain-fields  waving  in  the  breeze, 
And  fruits  from  highly  cultured  lands. 

Rural  retreat !  abode  of  bliss  ! 

Where  pure  domestic  charms  abound ; 
A  welcome  scene  of  happiness, 

Within  the  blest  inclosure  's  found. 

I  love  a  morning  ramble  well, 

The  early  warbling  of  the  groves  ; 

I  love  to  hear  the  tinkling  bell, 
As  from  the  distant  fold  it  moves. 

To  range  about  the  flowering  hills, 
The  towering  cliffs,  and  valleys  low; 

To  stray  beside  the  murmuring  rills, 
Where  shady  clustering  willows  grow. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  239 

Amidst  the  groves  and  forest  shade, 

The  meadows  green,  and  fields  of  corn ; 

The  fruitful  farms,  and  opening  glade, 
And  the  rich  harvest  newly  shorn. 

The  sweet,  the  clover'd  passing  breeze, 
The  sounding  flail,  and  "  echoing  horn ;" 

The  woodman's  stroke,  and  falling  trees, 
And  all  the  mingled  hum  of  morn. 

Or,  from  the  mountain's  granite  side, 

View  all  the  villages  below  ; 
The  river's  winding,  onward  glide, 

Where  thickly  foliaged  woodlands  grow 

That  heavenly  tinge,  the  clear  blue  sky, 

The  blush  upon  its  borders  seen ; 
The  gold-embroidered  clouds,  which  lie 

So  tranquil  on  the  air  serene, 

I  love  all  nature  where  are  seen, 

The  soaring  wing,  the  silken  worm  ; 

The  azure  heavens,  and  earth  of  green, 
Each  in  its  native  beauteous  form. 


TO  H.  B. 

H h,  'tis  said  you  court  the  muse, 

With  aspirations  quite  profuse, 

When  favoured  with  a  vision  : 
May  you  its  friendliness  retain, 
And  spend  within  the  bower  again, 

Its  rich  and  sweet  elysian. 


240  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

I  wish  that  you  would  undertake 
Some  good  description  of  your  lake, 

With  graceful  woodlands  crowned  ; 
The  button-tree  beneath  whose  shade, 
Your  youthful  gambols  once  were  play'd, 

With  circling  throng  around. 

The  rural  homestead  on  the  green, 
The  garden  and  the  well  between, 

With  orchard,  barn,  and  gate ; 
The  preacher's  house,  the  winding  lane, 
With  fields  of  different  kinds  of  grain, 

Their  beauties  and  their  state. 


The  glorious  sun  doth  seldom  shine 
On  lovelier  meads,  or  groves  more  fine, 

Than  round  thy  dwelling  place  ,* 
The  sloping  vale,  the  rising  hill, 
The  foliage  sweet,  and  murmuring  rill, 

Each  give  to  each  a  grace. 

The  robin  redbreast  warbles  still, 
The  blue-birds  and  the  whip-poor-will, 

Those  songsters  of  the  wing  ; 
The  chirping  cricket  partly  hid, 
The  pee-wee,  and  the  caty-did, 

Make  all  the  forest  ring. 

Lovely  and  gay  whom  all  admire, 
Doth  Flora,  robed  in  rich  attire, 
With  fragrant  beauty  stand  ; 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  241 

The  butter-cups  and  violets  blue, 
And  flowers  of  every  varied  hue, 
Enamel  all  the  land. 


Nor  would  I  pass  with  careless  eye, 
That  splendid  scene,  the  evening  sky, 

Grandeur,  supreme,  immense ! 
When  the  bright  sun  retires  to  rest, 
And  heaven  in  flaming  gold  is  drest, 

With  rich  magnificence. 


Sing  that  stupendous  power  which  made 
Those  beauteous  scenes,  and  widely  spread 

This  infinite  array ; 
May  He  thy  gentle  muse  inspire, 
Wake  your  loved  harp,  and  tune  your  lyre 

In  all  its  full  display. 


MEMORY  OF  REV.  JOHN  CREAMER. 

Our  friend  has  gone  !  his  lifeless  clay 
Lies  mouldering  to  the  judgment  day, 
In  sweet  repose ;  his  cold  remains 
The  deep  damp  vault  in  trust  retains ; 
Calm  as  the  summer's  evening  smile, 
Retiring  from  a  world  of  toil, 
21 


242  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

He  sunk  to  rest,  in  endless  peace, 
Where  all  the  storms  of  nature  cease. 


His  mind,  when  fill'd  with  love  and  grace, 
Presented  charms  in  every  place  ; 
In  him  the  virtues  found  a  shrine, 
And  form'd  his  friendly  soul  divine ; 
Pure  unaffected  goodness  spread 
Distinguish'd  lustre  round  his  head ; 
While  heaven  did  bounteously  impart 
A  gracious  influence  to  his  heart. 


He,  as  the  minister  of  love, 

Drew  his  resources  from  above ; 

And  all  his  powers  combined  to  raise 

A  tribute  to  redeeming  grace. 

His  ardent  soul  enraptured  bore 

His  Master's  name  from  door  to  door ; 

And  grace  had  such  an  impulse  given, 

He  walk'd  on  earth,  and  lived  in  heaven. 


As  Christian,  husband,  parent,  friend, 

He  did  unnumber'd  virtues  blend ; 

His  name  shall  stand  on  history's  page, 

A  mong  the  worthies  of  the  age ; 

And  faithful  friends  shall  speak  his  worth, 

While  he  lies  slumbering  in  the  earth ; 

And  when  immortal  crowns  are  given, 

God  will  approve  his  name  in  heaven. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  243 


THE   SLAVE. 


"Where  Freedom  dwells,  there  is  my  Country." 


Freedom  's  the  offspring  of  the  skies, 
The  noblest  boon  to  mortals  given, 

The  source  of  those  inspiring  joys, 

That  cheer  the  good  man's  way  to  heaven ; 

But  freedom  weeps  in  lands  her  own, 

O'er  millions  that  in  slavery  groan. 

See,  what  an  interesting  band ! 

Bound  by  affection's  strongest  ties ; 
Parents  and  lovely  children  stand, 

Pledged  by  an  order  from  the  skies ; 
Yet  these  as  slaves  are  bought  and  sold, 
Through  man's  insatiate  lust  for  gold. 

And  hear  ye  not  their  mournful  cries, 

Which  fall  impulsive  on  the  ear  1 
Portentous  as  the  clouds  that  rise, 

And  dismal  as  the  storms  they  bear  ? 
In  realms  where  freedom's  banners  wave, 
A  fellow  man  is  made  a  slave. 

The  soil  our  gallant  fathers  gain'd, 

Through  floods  of  tears  and  streams  of  blood ; 
Who  once  the  well-fought  field  maintain'd, 

And  hosts  of  veteran  foes  withstood  ; 


244  MISCELLANEOUS    TOEM3. 

And  mighty  gifts  their  valour  gave, 
To  all,  except  the  negro  slave. 

Land  of  the  brave  !  where  splendid  rise, 
The  noblest  institutions  known  ; 

Where  science  pours  her  rich  supplies, 
And  rears  her  temples  of  renown  ; 

Yet  here  is  kept  a  hapless  race 

Consign'd  to  slavery  and  disgrace. 


Columbia !  where  true  Christians  dwell, 
Friends  of  the  suffering  and  opprest ; 

Whose  bosoms  with  compassion  swell, 
Angels  of  God  to  all  distrest ; 

Yet  here,  whom  Jesus  loves  and  saves, 

By  Christians,  men  are  sold  as  slaves. 


Heralds  of  universal  love, 

Who  freedom  preach  to  all  mankind, 
And  point  to  radiant  scenes  above, 

Where  all  eternal  life  may  find ; 
Yet  solemn  as  this  truth  remains, 
These  also  hold  the  slave  in  chains. 


Freedom's  illustrious  advocates, 
Patriots,  statesmen,  and  divines ; 

WTithin  the  bounds  of  their  estates, 
The  poor  enslaved  negro  pines  ! 

Far  from  his  native  kindred  skies, 

He  groans  in  slavery  and  dies. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  245 

But  ah  !  the  pleasing  charm  of  hope, 
Those  scenes  of  woe  will  soon  be  past ; 

And  God  himself  will  lift  him  up 

And  much  loved  freedom  come  at  last : 

And  high  in  heaven  eternally, 

The  captive  shall  be  ever  free. 


OUR    NATION. 

Thou  great  Eternal  and  Supreme, 
We  would  adore  thy  holy  name ; 
In  dust  and  ashes  reverence  give, 
To  thee  in  whom  we  move  and  live. 

Thou  chose  beyond  the  oppressor's  rage^ 
For  us  a  goodly  heritage ; 
Profusion  smiled  the  seasons  round, 
And  peace  each  lovely  hamlet  crown'd. 

Religion  pure  with  cheerful  smile, 
Dispersed  our  fears,  and  charm'd  our  toil ; 
Alluring  to  that  high  abode, 
The  holy  dwelling  place  of  God. 

"  The  mountain  of  the  Lord"  did  rise, 
Robed  in  the  vestments  of  the  skies ; 
While  clouds  of  mercies  passing  o'er, 
Diffused  their  gifts  from  shore  to  shore. 
21* 


246  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

But  we  regret  to  feel  and  see 
Our  want  of  faithfulness  to  thee ; 
How  flagrantly  have  we  pursued 
A  course  of  vile  ingratitude. 

Pollutions  of  a  dye  profound, 
Darken  our  horizon  around, 
Obscuring  with  a  fearful  gloom, 
Our  prospects  for  the  years  to  come. 

Pardon,  O  Lord,  our  vast  offence, 
Fill  us  with  holy  penitence  ; 
Form'd  for  thyself,  O  may  we  be 
A  people  sanctified  to  thee. 

Jeshurun's  God  !  do  thou  preside, 
Our  nation  o'er  from  side  to  side ; 
Blest  may  our  institutions  be, 
To  us  and  our  posterity. 

Guardian  of  worlds  !  with  us  abide, 
Where  the  hills  rise  or  currents  glide ; 
May  heavenly  power  our  bliss  secure, 
While  nations  stand,  or  years  endure. 


CONSCIENCE. 

The  conscience,  what  1  a  trembling  vane  to  find 
The  various,  moral  currents  of  the  mind  ; 
To  indicate  whence  all  our  actions  flow, 
The  features  of  our  powers  perceptive  show; 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  247 

An  inward  monitor  to  mortals  given, 

That  points  the  course  which  leads  us  up  to  heaven. 

Thus,  some  affirm,  and  making  this  their  guide 

Presume  they  need  no  other  means  beside, 

No  gracious  change,  no  Saviour  to  atone, 

Beyond  the  conscience  uninspired  alone  ; 

But  calm,  reflecting  reason  would  suggest 

A  mode,  judicious,  how  this  fact  to  test; 

Some  evidence  to  show  that  God  design'd 

That  conscience  should  itself  direct  the  mind. 

Suppose  it  thus,  a  sentinel  within, 

T'  announce  the  first,  direct  approach  of  sin ; 

Each  virtuous  thought  and  action  to  approve, 

Or  check  our  wanderings  when  inclined  to  rove. 

A  telegraph  to  cautious  mortals  given, 

To  furnish  notice  of  intelligence  from  heaven. 

But  abstract  conscience  can  no  power  convey, 

Laws,  not  its  own,  do  regulate  its  way ; 

The  Scriptures  only  can  a  standard  give, 

To  which  it  reference  makes  for  rules  to  live  ; 

And  e'en  with  Scripture  rules,  it  sometimes  will 

Strain  hard  at  gnats,  and  swallow  camels  still ; 

So  scrupulous  now,  as  not  to  cross  a  straw, 

Then  passing  all  the  obvious  bounds  of  law, 

Will  serve  alike,  a  Turk,  Malay,  or  Jew, 

The  Bramin,  and  untutor'd  Indian,  too ; 

Bribed  on  occasions,  will  refuse  to  speak, 

Then  rule,  despotic,  on  the  blushing  cheek. 

Respect  to  rites,  obsequiously  pay, 

Then  cast  them  conscientiously  away, 

All  things  by  turns,  subservient  to  all  rules, 

The  drudge  of  hypocrites,  and  scourge  of  fooK 


248  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

'T  is  sometimes  sear'd,  the  Holy  Scriptures  say, 

Harden'd  like  steel  in  furnaces  which  lay ; 

An  evil  conscience  also  is  described, 

That  evils,  foul  and  loathsome,  hath  imbibed; 

Then  how  can  such  a  faculty  dictate 

The  measures  which  should  holiness  create? 

Bestow  a  peace  divine,  without  alloy, 

And  constantly  inspire  the  soul  with  joy  ? 

Produce  true  heavenly-mindedness  and  grace, 

And  make  the  human  mind  God's  dwelling  place? 

Conscience,  itself,  requires  some  rectitude, 

True  holiness  infused  to  make  it  good ; 

It  must  the  Spirit's  inspiration  gain, 

And  with  the  other  faculties,  be  born  again, 

Cleansed  and  refined,  it  may  direction  give, 

And  show  enlighten'd  Christians  how  to  live ; 

Lead  to  the  love  of  God,  in  Christ  display'd, 

Those  courts,  accessible  through  Jesus  made. 

Some  have  no  faith  in  Jesus  Christ  at  all, 

With  such,  the  voice  of  conscience  must  be  small ; 

Whilst  others  semi-Christians  are,  at  most, 

Where  conscience  is  in  speculation  lost. 

Let  such  for  conscience  in  the  abstract  plead — 

The  love  of  Christ  its  powers  do  far  exceed ; 

Conscience  can  only  better  things  approve, 

But  he  doth  dwell  in  God  who  dwells  in  love. 

'Tis  love  our  faculties  can  purify, 

And  every  virtuous  principle  supply, 

Subdue  each  passion,  form  our  lives  more  even, 

And  is  a  prelude  to  the  joys  of  heaven  ; 

A  pure,  enlighten'd  conscience  will  approve, 

The  only  way  to  happiness  is  love ; 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  241> 

A  gift  alone,  the  Almighty  doth  convey, 

When  sin  and  guilt  are  wholly  purged  away ; 

An  image  of  the  Eternal  mind,  it  is, 

A  vast,  unfathom'd  source  of  perfect  bliss. 

Then  what  this  love  doth  dictate,  I  will  do ; 

This  most  I  '11  shun,  that  most  of  all  pursue; 

A  love  that  sanctifies  and  casts  out  fear, 

And  ever  indicates  God's  presence  near  ; 

*T  is  full  of  holiness,  from  heaven  sent  down, 

And  dwells  within  the  good  man's  heart  alone. 

It  is  a  principle  that  God  hath  given, 

By  which  the  soul  is  moulded  fit  for  heaven ; 

The  miniature  of  those  blest  realms  of  peace, 

Where  pure  and  boundless  pleasures  never  cease ; 

O  may  this  love  my  passions  all  inspire, 

And  warm  my  bosom  with  its  sacred  fire ; 

More  gloriously  illume  the  heavenly  road 

Which  leads  to  future  happiness  and  God, 

And  there,  with  prostrate  cherubim,  adore 

Its  pure,  enrapturing  charms  forevermore. 


THE  INDIAN  CHIEF'S  LAMENTATION. 

Who  then  will  care  or  mourn  for  me  ? 

Who  will  regard  my  name  or  place  1 
When  I  am  dead,  entomb'd  shall  be 

The  last  sad  remnant  of  my  race. 


250 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 


Like  some  lone  hemlock  of  the  wood, 
By  many  a  storm  and  tempest  beat, 

I  long  have  on  the  mountains  stood, 

'Midst  winter's  cold  and  summer's  heat. 


The  time  was,  when  with  foliage  gay, 
And  verdant  all  my  branches  were  ; 

That  many  a  wild-bird  wing'd  its  way, 
And  found  a  place  of  nestling  there. 


My  spreading  boughs  have  often  been 
Beneath  the  sultry  sky  a  shade, 

And  from  the  furious  storm  a  screen, 
Or  place  of  rural  pleasure  made. 

Round  me  a  thousand  blooming  trees, 
In  fair  and  beauteous  order  stood, 

That  bow'd  most  graceful  to  the  breeze, 
And  hvmn'd  the  music  of  the  wood. 


Those  partners  of  my  earlier  years, 
The  young,  the  vigorous,  and  the  gay ; 

Unfeeling  Time,  who  nothing  spares, 
Has  long  since  far  removed  away. 

Lonely,  and  drench'd  with  floods  of  rain, 
Scathed  by  the  lightning's  fearful  blow ; 

I  've  bow'd  and  righted  up  again, 

Though  bent  and  strain'd  in  every  bough. 


MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS.  251 

And  many  a  cold  and  wintry  day, 

Has  chill'd  life's  fresh  and  genial  flow  ; 

My  leaves  th'  autumnal  change  display, 
My  limbs  a  wither'd  aspect  show. 

A  lone,  and  shatter'd  hemlock  now, 
My  foliage  on  the  earth  lies  spread ; 

Decay 'd  is  every  graceful  bough, 
And  fallen  are  my  leaves,  and  dead. 

A  few  more  passing  seasons  by, 

This  form  no  more  shall  shade  the  ground  ; 
But  with  its  leaves  shall  prostrate  lie, 

And  not  a  remnant  shall  be  found. 

And  none  shall  tell  the  time  or  place, 
Where  once  I  flourished  and  stood  : 

And  no  one  branch  of  all  my  race 
Shall  occupy  my  native  wood. 

Nor  flowering  bush,  nor  mossy  stone, 

Nor  yet  a  mark'd  or  shady  tree, 
Shall  make  to  passing  strangers  known, 

The  least  remaining  dust  of  me. 


THE  SAVIOUR'S  NAME. 

Jesus,  thy  name,  how  sweet  it  is, 
How  full  of  goodness,  and  of  bliss  ! 
And  my  full  soul  shall  evermore 
Its  grace  ineffable  adore. 


252  MISCELLANEOUS    POEMS. 

Than  earth  and  heaven,  with  all  their  store, 

My  Saviour's  name  I  value  more ; 

In  all  existence,  can  there  be 

An  object,  Lord,  compared  with  thee  ? 

Jesus,  I  know  thy  name  is  love, 
But  this  may  I  more  fully  prove  ; 
And  all  my  powers  do  thou  incline 
To  love  no  other  name  but  thine. 


I  bow,  nor  will  I  hence  depart, 
Till  deeply  on  my  soul  and  heart, 
Thy  glory  and  thy  name  shall  be 
Engraven  for  eternity. 

Then  let  life's  last  dark  shadows  fall, 
Thy  name  shall  be  my  theme,  my  all ; 
And  beams  of  heavenly  righteousness 
My  few  declining  days  shall  bless. 


THE    END. 


